He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
Dear Friends,
When we think of Israel’s soldiers, we often picture them standing strong on the front lines, defending our homeland with courage and determination. But what the cameras and headlines rarely show is what happens after the battle—when the uniform comes off, the weapons are put away, and the soldier returns home. For many, the war never truly ends.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an invisible wound, yet it is as real and devastating as any physical injury. It can trap a soldier in the past, replaying moments of terror and loss, and rob them of peace in the present. It can destroy marriages, isolate friendships, and, tragically, sometimes claim lives.
This year, the crisis has become more urgent than ever. The Knesset recently held a special session to address the alarming number of suicides among active-duty and reserve soldiers. Behind every statistic is a story—a son or daughter, a spouse, a friend—someone who once stood guard over Israel and is now fighting a battle in their own mind.
One such story is of a young reservist who returned home from an intense combat operation physically unharmed but emotionally shattered. His nights were filled with nightmares. A car backfiring could send him into a panic. His wife, desperate to help, felt herself drifting further away as he withdrew into silence. Only after joining a therapeutic group did he begin to find his voice again—and with it, the first glimmer of hope.
We at Vision for Israel believe that no soldier should have to fight this battle alone. That is why, starting this September, we are launching a vital new initiative in partnership with an experienced organization dedicated to helping soldiers with PTSD. Together, we will offer mental rehabilitation sessions at our Millennium Center—safe, confidential spaces where soldiers and their loved ones can begin the journey of healing.
These sessions will be structured, compassionate, and deeply personal. Each program will run for 4–8 meetings, two hours each, guided by trained professionals who specialize in trauma recovery. Importantly, soldiers will not walk this road alone—spouses or significant others will be part of the process, learning how to rebuild trust, communicate through pain, and face the future together.
Group sizes will be small—only 10–15 participants—ensuring that each person is truly seen and heard. We will adapt special rooms in the Millennium Center to provide warmth, privacy, and comfort, creating an environment where healing can flourish.
The cost of launching this entire program—covering trained facilitators, preparation of the spaces, and all materials—is 60,000 Shekels (about USD 16,000). When you think of the lives that can be saved, the families that can be restored, and the futures that can be reclaimed, it is a small price for an immeasurable return.
Your support can give a soldier the courage to take that first brave step toward healing. You can help them reclaim nights free from nightmares, rebuild marriages that have been strained to the breaking point, and rediscover the joy of living without fear.
We know these men and women have already paid a high price for our nation’s safety. Now, we have the privilege and responsibility to stand with them in their hour of need. Your gift—no matter the size—will help bring light into the darkest of places.
Please give generously today at visionforisrael.com/donate so that together, we can be the hands of the Lord to heal the brokenhearted. Let us not turn away from those who once stood in harm’s way for our protection, but instead run toward them with compassion and hope.
May we be found faithful in answering the silent cry of Israel’s wounded warriors.
With deep gratitude,
Barry & Batya
