Restoring Hope: HaTikva Helps Soldiers and Families Heal from War

May 15th, 2024 |HaTikva Aid

Following the outbreak of the October 7th war, Israel rapidly mobilized tens of thousands of reserve soldiers who were abruptly thrust into combat with a depraved enemy. Many of them were fathers in their 30s who served in the military when they were younger, but since then have been developing their careers and leading non-military lives. They were accountants, plumbers, media professionals, and even worship leaders. With a few hours’ notice, they dusted off their old uniforms, kissed their wives and children goodbye, and headed toward Gaza, not knowing what awaited them there.

The atrocities that they encountered were unfathomable. Many of them spent months experiencing the worst horrors that war has to offer, even losing close friends who fought alongside them.

As the operation in Gaza began to wane, many were able to return home, but how could they possibly process the human tragedy they had just experienced? Many of them struggled to reconnect with their family as they were physically present in their home, but their minds were still on the battlefield. HaTikva Project wanted to help with this critical need and began sending these soldiers and their families for respite retreats abroad where the family could spend a few weeks in a serene location, with all of their needs met and with the assistance of counselors, to recover emotionally and spiritually and reconnect with each other.

This included Gabi, a devoted believer and soldier. As a reservist, he spent months in and out of Gaza, tirelessly evacuating the dead and wounded and witnessing the harrowing and tragic realities of combat. Upon returning home to his family, he struggled to readjust to civilian life. Despite returning to work in a local ministry, his boss noticed that Gabi was not himself. Concerned for his well-being, his boss reached out to HaTikva Project. We learned of Gabi’s need for respite and support and immediately sprang into action. Thanks to our partners, we could provide financial assistance to cover Gabi and his family's living expenses so that they could receive respite care in the United States.