Bshvil Hamachar, founded in 2009, has dedicated itself to the profound mission of helping Israeli combat veterans process and heal from trauma-related experiences through retreats and comprehensive management programs. The organization has seen significant growth over the years, expanding from hosting a few groups annually to conducting approximately 130 groups this year alone, each consisting of 15 participants. This remarkable expansion underscores the pressing need for their services and the efficacy of their approach.
"Our mission is to save their souls, not only their bodies"
—says Tomer Freibach, CEO of Bshvil Hamachar. Freibach, a former Deputy Commander in the IDF's Unit 669, recounts how his experiences in the military propelled him to join and later lead Bshvil Hamachar. The organization has become a crucial ally for many veterans who struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related symptoms.
Statistics highlight the urgency of their work: approximately 15% of soldiers who engaged in combat suffer from PTSD, while another 35-40% experience partial symptoms. These conditions manifest in insomnia, intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks, severely impacting daily life. Freibach explains, "What we found out with the war is that many of the symptoms are created by feelings of guilt and shame among the warriors."
Bshvil Hamachar addresses these deep-seated issues by creating safe zones for emotional discussion within groups that fought together. These safe environments enable veterans to share experiences they have kept buried for years.
"We create the atmosphere in which they can talk like never before"
—Freibach notes. This approach not only alleviates symptoms but also fosters a sense of closure and mutual understanding among veterans. By leveraging nature and positive childhood memories, Bshvil Hamachar also helps veterans reconnect with life before trauma, fostering continuity and healing.
One poignant example comes from Yoav, a Bshvil Hamachar graduate. Yoav served in the Special Forces during Operation Protective Edge. Before joining Bshvil Hamachar, he and his team coped with their experiences through sarcasm and dark humor, which led to self-destructive behavior. Nine years after the war, he and his team spent ten-days with Bshvil Hamachar in the Carpathian Mountains. It transformed their dynamic. "It was a safe place to hurt" Yoav reflects. This newfound emotional resilience proved invaluable during the recent October 7th war.
Since October 7th, the demand for Bshvil Hamachar's services has surged. To meet this demand, they have innovated by introducing three-day sessions in addition to their traditional longer retreats. These shorter sessions, while not as comprehensive, provide immediate relief and a foundation for further healing. The organization has also initiated Zoom meetings for spouses and parents of soldiers, recognizing the ripple effect of trauma on families
Glenn Cohen, the chief psychologist for Bshvil Hamachar, emphasizes the transformative power of these journeys:
"After seven days, these veterans already describe the journey as a life-changing experience".
Cohen, originally from the United States, served in the IDF and then went on to serve as a Mossad officer and as Chief Psychologist of the agency, roles that have endowed him with unparalleled experience in both the psychological and operational aspects of combat and trauma. The impact of the journeys, he explains, extends beyond the veterans themselves, influencing their relationships with their families and communities: "These journeys teach veterans emotional language, benefiting their relationships with families and communities."
Bshvil Hamachar's approach has garnered recognition and support from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the Ministry of Defense, which now covers about a third of their budget. The organization continues to seek additional funding to expand its reach and capabilities. "We are ready to grow, with psychologists and facilitators standing by," Freibach asserts. Bshvil Hamachar demonstrates that with the right support and environment, the hidden wounds of war can begin to heal.
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