Friends Of The IDF Funds Mental Health Programs For Soldiers And Their Families

The Israeli Ministry of Defense estimates that up to 30% of soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) engaged in combat in Gaza will develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

In response to the devastating mental health repercussions of the ongoing war, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) — the IDF’s U.S. partner — is uniting government entities, academics and medical professionals in a wide-ranging effort to address the mental health needs of soldiers, veterans and their families.

The goal of FIDF’s “National Solution for Mental Health and Resilience” is to meet diverse needs and circumstances of soldiers and veterans nationwide, while preventing the potentially devastating repercussions of mental illness on families, society and the economy.  The program has four components: 

  1. Building Resilience Prior to Battle: FIDF is founding a Research and Development Center for resilience, mental health and trauma to advance understanding of soldiers’ experiences. The center also offers training for IDF combat commanders on preventing, identifying and addressing PTSD in their units.
  2. Soldier Recharge: a program that temporarily removes entire combat units from their day-to-day operational duties, offering them a reprieve, essential services such as screening for PTSD and other mental health issues, as well as treatment.
  3. Mental Health Treatment for IDF Veterans: FIDF is partnering with Israel’s largest hospital Sheba Medical Center, Zahal Disabled Veterans Organization and the Israel Ministry of Defense to expand mental health resources for IDF veterans and their families. This program is increasing the capacity of Sheba’s world-class Psychiatric Division by 50% and allowing the establishment of satellite facilities nationwide.
  4. Mental Health Treatment for Active-Duty Soldiers: FDIF is financing the construction of a state-of-the-art facility offering a range of psychotherapy for active-duty soldiers. “The IDF National Center for Mental Health and Resilience for Active-Duty Soldiers” is the first dedicated facility for soldiers in Israel.

“We must prepare for the mental-health repercussions of today’s traumatic events to avoid a crisis tomorrow, affecting Israel’s economy, society, well-being of the nation,” said Steve Weil, CEO of FIDF. “We aspire for Israel to not just to survive, but to thrive, ensuring that the vibrant spirit of the Jewish homeland endures.”