On Tu B’Av, the Jewish day of love, I attended a wonderful event honoring Israel Defense Forces soldiers. Shul members Julie Levi and Richard Blau hosted a beautiful dinner for a group of 20 soldiers, who had come from Israel to Fire Island for a week of therapy and relaxation after fighting in Gaza and elsewhere — soldiers who’ve seen many traumatic events, young soldiers who risk their lives to defend the Jewish people. Love is to give.  As they give the Jewish people their body and soul, we want to give them peace of mind, from fire on the battlefield to relaxing on Fire Island.

Many IDF soldiers were rushed into battle in the aftermath of the most heinous attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. The destruction, the sights of families murdered in their homes, will stay with them forever. Based on experience, the estimation is that 80% of them will suffer to some degree from post-traumatic stress.

The program is part of the Metiv Israel Psychodrama Center in Jerusalem, in partnership with Jewish communities worldwide to strengthen emotional and mental wellbeing. Now, these young men and women will have the opportunity to participate in the Peace of Mind program on Fire Island. The distance from Israel and the outpouring of communal support during this phase of the therapeutic process play a crucial role in creating a safe, quiet and supportive environment, where participants can let their guard down to fully engage in this healing process.

Moses reminds us never to forget that we are part of a greater community of giving and receiving.  Being grateful is to remember that others did good things for us.  Doing bad in the eyes of G-d is when we forget. When G-d is good to Israel, He remembers them and the covenant. We want the soldiers to forget certain things, while we want to remember their sacrifice. In the words of Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Zt”l, “These are the soldiers who give Israel peace of mind. So friends, it is our duty to help them find their peace of mind.”

 

May we remember, love, and give…

—Rabbi Gadi Capela