Kol Nidrei Appeal 5785
Shomer Achi (Guardian Brother)
Shomer Achi is a non-profit organisation that provides discreet and free psychological assistance to IDF veterans who are on the spectrum of post-trauma and yet, are not diagnosed and treated by the Ministry of Defence due to an array of reasons spanning from suppression of their situation, shame, and fear of asking for help, or difficulty facing the long bureaucratic procedures.
Unfortunately, in Israeli society, particularly among combat soldiers, asking for help is still considered taboo. Thus, the need for mental support is preserved as a weakness, significantly affecting post-trauma victims' ability to seek treatment.
In addition, public exposure in front of a community and a permanent stain on personal service record alongside the long, tedious, and insensitive bureaucratic processes one must go through to be recognised as a post-trauma victim by the Ministry of Defense are inhibiting.
The Partners of Fallen IDF Soldiers
The Partners of Fallen IDF Soldiers provides the unmarried partners of fallen IDF soldiers with emotional support and the tools for rehabilitation. Its aim is to help them eventually return to lives filled with meaning and joy, living alongside grief rather than overshadowed by it
The association works in full cooperation with the IDF Casualty Division and the Ministry of Defense, is officially recognized as a representative organization, and is partly funded by the Ministry of Defense.
Support begins from the very moment families are notified of the soldier’s death and continues for as long as the bereaved partner wishes. The organization’s guiding belief is that while pain will remain forever, with the right tools one can learn to live alongside grief rather than under its shadow, and build a full and happy life.