POM IDF Participant Testimonials

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.