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"Peace of Mind":
The Discharged Soldiers Project Helping combat soldiers make the transition to civilian life Every year, thousands of young Israeli combat soldiers are discharged from compulsory military service and return to civilian life. Although they undergo lengthy and arduous physical training, very little attention is devoted to preparing the soldiers for any possible psychological trauma that they may face during their service. Sadly, as current events in Gaza reaffirm, many soldiers witness terrible sights and undergo life-changing experiences in the army, such as mourning a friend killed in combat, or making split-second life or death decisions. Although most soldiers from combat units display remarkable resilience, the long term effect of this accumulated traumatic exposure remains unclear. Some may even be carrying symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that have gone unrecognised and untreated. There is an urgent need to improve the psychological wellbeing of discharged combat soldiers in order to ensure a smooth transition back to civilian life. They must be given the tools to handle and mitigate the impact of trauma on their daily lives. In order to address this need, the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma, (ICTP), partnered by One to One, established a joint intervention project called Peace of Mind.
Most discharged soldiers take six to twelve months, if not more, to readapt to a civilian lifestyle. Many choose to travel abroad in an effort to distance themselves from difficulties they may have faced during combat, but rather than helping the soldiers to cope, these trips often exacerbate the problem or give rise to new ones. The goal of our project is to give "peace of mind" to these soldiers through group workshops and trips abroad.
The Peace of Mind Project starts with a two-day preparatory workshop, where groups of soldiers participate in an outdoor challenge activity. This gives participants the opportunity to strengthen their friendships with one another, create a sense of control over their experiences, and express their feelings and emotions in a safe and supportive environment. Soldiers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder may also be identified and treated. The workshop is followed by a trip abroard.
"Peace of Mind" Trip to the UK
For one week, from 24th June to 1st July, One to One Projects organised, together with the Israel Centre for Psycho-Trauma at the Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem and the IDF to bring over to the UK 12 ex combat soldiers, aged between 22 and 35. Each one had experienced traumatic incidents during their time in the IDF, resulting in the need for counselling.
One of the three counsellors who travelled with the group was unsure as to how much benefit they would achieve from the trip. However, so much progress was made by the group during their stay, that it was decided to continue counselling for another year on their return to Israel. Rabbi and Mrs. Davis of Chigwell organised host families. During their stay the group were entertained by their host families, they were treated to a fish and chip lunch organised by the Southend Jewish community and were addressed by Rabbi and Mrs. Bar. They also visited many London sites including the Emirates Stadium, and enjoyed a performance of Mama Mia at the Prince of Wales Theatre. Trauma counselling workshops took place on a daily basis. All transport was very kindly sponsored by the Levenfiche Foundation.
The Peace of Mind project has now been recognised by the army, and all soldiers who have completed their compulsory military service will be able to participate in these workshops and join an organised trip while they are readjusting to civilian life.
The ICPT and One to One believe it is essential to provide Israel's discharged combat soldiers with the opportunity to participate in the Peace of Mind project. As current events demonstrate, the need is even more acute than ever. Groups of soldiers are ready to participate in the project and all that is required is sponsorship for the trops, and local communities in Britain to provide hospitatlity and a place to meet.
Trough the Peace of Mind Project, our brave soldiers will receive much more than just a memorable experience. Their sacrifice of risking both their physical and mental health during active service, at such a critical and important time of their lives, will be acknowledged and appreciated.
"Only now I know that my life changed twice in the past sixteen months. Once it changed during the war and I didn't realise it, because I thought it was normal to be tense , unable to sleep, and depressed after my experiences of being under fire in the war. The second time my life changed was during the workshop. Now I am able again to feel in control of my life and be optimistic about my future. It was really a life changing experience."
Female paramedic in the rescue unit of the Israeli Air Force, after participating in an ICTP
workshop, October 2007
If you can help or require more information, please
email or call Rita on 020 8343 4156
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