Testimonials

Through the experience of hosting POM veteran soldiers, we have even more respect for the IDF and feel a stronger connection to Israel. We bonded immediately and by mid-week we were discussing the daily counseling sessions and community events at the family table. They told us how intense yet insightful the sessions had been. They were shocked to see how real our support and gratitude is for those who fight in the IDF. Communicating, believing and then understanding the unconditional love and support we have for them, had a huge impact.

So many great and lasting memories!. We hope to continue hosting future POM veteran soldiers and participating in this much needed and incredible program!

I may have been discharged from the army several years ago, but only now am I able to put the war behind me and live my life.

This journey we’re in is possible only thanks to you. How can I put to words our deep feeling of appreciation and gratitude? My English vocabulary is not rich enough to express it.  This week was very meaningful for us. None of this would have happened without your support and your warm hospitality which enabled us to combine the serious heavy talks during the day with fun and relaxation during the evenings. This combination was crucial for the success of this program.

After the war, we didn’t have the professional support and other attempts to seek professional help did not go well.  And POM understood that.  And by gathering us in a group that has fought together and knows each other, made the perfect conditions of trust and support, as each one of the group members wants the very best for the others.By taking the group abroad, it allows us to take a break from the everyday routine and put all our efforts into the group sessions.

I don’t want to write a long email since words are not sufficient to express our gratitude for being part of this program.

This unit of heroes is also a unit of humble ‘mensches’ who are giving us the gift of creating a genuine and loving connection. They are becoming family in such a short period of time!

I believe we are growing both personally and as a community through this experience. We always knew this experience was going to be a good one. We did not know it was going to be magical.

With a full heart and gratitude for the opportunity and all you do,

I was surprised at how meaningful it was for the family to host two Peace of Mind participants. My kids are more connected and now want us to visit Israel.

Peace of Mind provided a place where I was listened to, but also a place where it was okay for me to talk about my experience – not as a hero, but as a boy who was afraid.

First off, on behalf of the Anbar family, I’d like to thank you and POM for introducing us to a group of 22 of the finest people  we have met in a long time. We had the honour of hosting 2 of these men and it was our absolute pleasure to meet them. . As the very short week went by, I could see that they were both engaging in a different battle than the ones they were trained for. A battle to heal emotionally and mentally. A battle to create a bright future for them and their families. This will prove to be a long and tough battle, but it was one that they were winning daily  and will inevitably win forever. I can honestly say that they both taught me a strong lesson in humility and perseverance. They helped recalibrate my focus on the beauty of being a proud Jew, and they did this all without a word. Just a strong hug and a smile.

Thanks again to Howard, Nina, and San Diego community for hosting me and my team for such an amazing experience. As I told you before, we had an amazing experience with the program and I believe every team who needs it, deserves it! I would like know how I assist in bringing more units to the city of Los Angeles.

Only now do I realize that my life changed twice in the past sixteen months. First unknowingly during the war, though then I had thought that it was normal to be constantly tense, and second during the workshop where I gained a perspective on how to continue with the rest of my life.

Peace of Mind is for people – like me – who continued on with their lives, people of whom no one thought to stop and ask “How are you?” It took me several years – during which time I completed my training as a social worker – to realize that there were still aspects my own combat experiences that I had not dealt with.

This is a good opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for opening your homes and your hearts to us. We were deeply touched by your devotion, love, and commitment to the state of Israel. Your support helps us justify the sacrifices we have made, and gives us courage to keep carrying the torch of the Jewish state in these difficult times. We miss you very much and we look forward to seeing you again.