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Beth Sholom is proud to host Israeli combat soldiers and the Peace of Mind program in combination with the

Israel Centre for the Treatment of Psychotrauma

May 13th to May 20th, 2012

Every year thousands of young, Israeli combat soldiers are discharged from their military duties back to civilian life.  The majority take from six months to a year to adjust.  Many flee the country to “trek” to the Far East or South America.  A support mechanism does not exist in Israeli society and there is an urgent need to strengthen our discharged soldiers while simultaneously instilling in them the proper tools to successfully handle and mitigate the impact of the psychological traumas that they faced during battle on their daily lives.  This is where  Peace of Mind  and Beth Sholom comes in.

Prior to coming to Canada, between 15 selected discharged soldiers who are usually part of the same unit and accompanied by two therapists and their social worker attend a two month preparatory workshop to bring them together and start a dialogue on their combat experiences.

When the soldiers come to Toronto, they are billeted with Beth Sholom host families.  Their program combines half day group sessions with leisure experiences. The outings are arranged with Peace of Mind and in the past have included day trips to Niagara Falls, attendance at sporting events and bowling.  This year, there will be a special benefit concert featuring the Israeli Idol, Idan Amedi!!  The setting outside Israel allows the soldiers to disconnect from the stresses of Israel and also from their immediate environment.

In addition to the week’s activities, Beth Sholom will be hosting a meaningful and fun-filled Shabbat weekend to honour our soldiers and thank our volunteers and host families.

If you are interested in finding out more about the program,  or being a volunteer on the committee, I’d love to hear from you.  Give me a call at 416-783-6103 or e-mail me at Barbara@bethsholom.net.

For more information on Peace of Mind or the Israeli Centre for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, visit www.peaceofmindictp.com


 
Barbara Berke
Executive Director