In just a few short weeks veterans from the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) will be coming to Middlesex County. They are coming as part of the Peace of Mind Program of Middlesex County. The Peace of Mind Program is a unique program that has been developed by the Israel Center for the Treatment of Psychotrauma. It provides a bridge and pathway back to civilian life for young men and women who have served for 3 or more years in high-risk combat units in the IDF.
In the words of Catherine Woodwiss, “Trauma permanently changes us. This is the big scary truth about trauma: there is no such thing as ‘getting over it.’ The five stages of grief model marks universal stages in learning to accept loss, but the reality is in fact much bigger: a major life disruption leaves a new normal in its wake. There is no ‘back to the old me.’ You are different now, full stop. This is not a wholly negative thing. Healing from Trauma can also mean finding new strength and joy. The goal of healing is not a papering-over of changes in an effort to preserve or present things as normal. It is to acknowledge and wear your new life – warts wisdom and all – with courage.” In other words, to feel שׁלום, wholeness or closure once again.
This is an enormously powerful program and it will be happening from November 4th through the 11th. We are also partnering with Jews and synagogues of every denomination in Middlesex County to help be a part of their healing.
Please join us in this effort, because we need your help. We are still looking for a few individuals who wouldn’t mind opening their homes for these soldiers to sleep at night and a few people to volunteer to drive them to their meetings. It will be an experience that both they and you will not forget.
Philip N. Bazeley
