Peace of Mind at B'nai Aviv
B'nai Aviv is honored to be hosting a group of Israel Defense Force (IDF) veterans from the Peace of Mind program in our synagogue community from December 15 - 22, 2024. As you may recall, the original trip was scheduled for 2023 but was postponed due to the events of October 7th.
The unit that will be joining us is Special Forces from a high-risk combat unit. They fought bravely in Gaza in 2014 and the mission of their unit is to fend off and prevent terrorist activities in the South of Israel and Gaza. The unit joining us requested this program pre-October 7th and was redeployed after October 7th. These are men who have been through a lot and have given so much to protect the safety of Israel and the Jewish people.
Hosting these veterans will undoubtedly be a deeply meaningful experience for our congregants, strengthening the bond of our own community and our connection to the Israeli people.
Below is more information about the program and how you can get involved!
We strongly encourage you to watch this video about the program and a special message from Rabbi Watstein.
What is Peace of Mind?
● Peace of Mind helps Israeli combat soldiers face the difficult transition back to civilian life. It is an opportunity for them to process their experiences, and find closure and emotional peace.
● Groups of 15-20 IDF veterans, who all served together in high-risk combat units, participate in a 9 month process led by Israeli therapists.
● The centerpiece is a week-long workshop hosted by a Jewish community outside of Israel. The distance from Israel, and warm embrace by the host community, play a critical role in creating a supportive environment to delve into this work.
● Peace of mind is run by Metiv, a highly respected psychotrauma center in Jerusalem. Their outcome research demonstrates that most Peace of Mind participants show improvements in self-awareness, everyday functioning, better communication with their families and more.
The Role of the Host Community
● Host community members spend quality time with these veterans, creating long-lasting ties and relationships.
● Hosts can “give back” in a very personal way.
● Most importantly, the community helps the veterans understand that they were not just protecting their local family and friends in Israel, they were protecting the Jewish world. Though their experiences may be fairly typical in Israel, to us their sacrifices were extraordinary.
What will their week here look like?
● Peace of Mind participants (along with their Israeli therapists) will work together privately for part of the day and then the rest of the day will be spent in activities with the B'nai Aviv community or in the South Florida area.
● Some example activities include:
○ Praying together during shabbat services on Friday and Saturday
○ Enjoying Shabbat kiddush and a dinner together (see info below)
○ Engaging in sports activities and other interactive activities
● We also will come together to help arrange some memorable sight-seeing opportunities for our guests.
Click Here to RSVP for Shabbat Dinner
How Can I Help?
● Join us for Shabbat Activities (December 15-22, 2024) - more information to come!
● Volunteer - We will be looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks such as: food preparation and service, assisting with decor for events, driving, and so on. If you are interested in volunteering your time please email: Jessica Cooper
● Host Visitors in Your Home - Host families opportunities have been filled - Thank You!
● Donate - Hosting a Peace of Mind group (and taking care of everything from meals and travel expenses) will require financial support from the community. We strongly encourage you to donate so that we can make this program as special as we can for them, and for us.
