In a candid conversation with Shmil, the Executive Director of Israel Heart2Heart, one quickly grasps the breadth of his professional path and the depth of his current commitment. His earlier years were marked by guiding incoming groups through The Israel Experience and Zechut, followed by a significant period in Sydney, Australia, where his work with the Jewish Agency engaged him with a large community at a central synagogue. Here, Shmil liaised with Australian philanthropists and businesspeople, building relationships that would later define his knack for impactful community projects.
Upon his return to Israel, Shmil sought his next venture, eventually steering his efforts towards an educational institution. Yet, it was his tenure with the Efrat Development Foundation that honed his ability to enrich lives through various initiatives, from enhancing security to nurturing the elderly. But life, as it often does, steered him towards a poignant crossroads when a community’s loss led to the inception of a space for serenity and reflection—a yoga and meditation park in memory of a young girl.
The collaborative project with Elroee Bochnik not only birthed a sanctuary but also sparked a partnership that propelled Shmil into the realm of Israeli Defense Forces veteran care. Initially reluctant, Shmil’s attendance at an Israel Heart2Heart event unveiled the hidden struggles of ‘invisible’ veterans grappling with PTSD. The profound impact of their stories was a pivotal moment, leading Shmil to embrace the role of Executive Director at Israel Heart2Heart.
Today, as the organization’s only paid employee, supported by a cadre of volunteers and devoted therapists, Shmil navigates the challenges of PTSD care—a field distant from his educational beginnings. His leap into this sector underscores a narrative of transformative leadership, encapsulating Israel Heart2Heart’s essence—pioneering, adaptive, and unwavering in its mission to aid those who’ve stood in defense of their country.
A Comprehensive Care Framework
The inception of Israel Heart2Heart was rooted in a vision shared by two individuals: Rav Chaim Slavaticki from Fort Lauderdale and businessman Eric Donner from Boca Raton. Their observation of soldiers returning from sponsored US trips with temporary highs but no long-term support sparked the idea for a more sustainable form of assistance. They questioned, “What happens after they go back?” The answer lay in a continuous, supportive track, which they started to lay down with the help of Elroee, a highly-ranked officer with a strong desire to give back to his community.
Israel Heart2Heart’s programs are meticulously crafted, offering IDF veterans a robust suite of services that cater to their diverse needs. With a focus on commitment and consistency, the organization welcomes 20 veterans annually into a year-long program filled with various therapeutic activities. These are not just mere engagements but rather stepping stones to recovery, demanding participants’ active involvement. From yoga sessions that span the country’s geography to life skill workshops and expert-led seminars, the program’s reach is as extensive as it is impactful.
The operational framework of Israel Heart2Heart is distinctively structured around three major circles:
- Community Support: Establishing a tight-knit community that encompasses participants and staff to tackle the feelings of shame and difficulty in accepting PTSD. This supportive network encourages sharing and belonging, which is crucial for emotional healing.
- Anxiety Management: Utilizing yoga, meditation, and mindfulness techniques to help veterans manage anxiety, regain composure during stress, and remain grounded in triggering situations.
- Professional and Personal Development: Providing mentorship for goal-setting and achievement, whether in employment, seeking work, or engaging in meaningful activities, especially for those unable to work due to disability benefits.
Participants are expected to engage in weekly yoga sessions, monthly full-day meetings combining physical and mental exercises, and interactive seminars designed to instill valuable life skills. After completing the year-long journey, they remain part of the organization, with opportunities to expand their network and experiences, including traveling abroad to meet with international partners and supporters.
A Strategic Wartime Shift
When the normal rhythm of life was disrupted on October 7, 2023, Israel Heart2Heart swiftly pivoted, establishing a ‘war room’ to organize crucial support. A notable fundraising initiative amassed $250,000, underscoring the community’s solidarity and generosity. These funds were instrumental in not just supplying equipment to soldiers but also in bolstering the families bearing the war’s brunt through various initiatives.
Amidst the strife, when the echoes of “Black Shabbat” led many of Israel Heart2Heart’s participants to join the reserves, it became clear that they were facing shortages of essential equipment. The war room, a hub of relentless activity based in Reut, became the focal point for distributing resources. This marked a temporary shift from the organization’s typical operations to a logistical endeavor, marshaling community support to meet immediate needs. They navigated new challenges, such as customs at Ben Gurion Airport, ensuring that vital supplies like clothing, hygiene products, and crucial tactical gear reached those on the frontline.
The Adopt-a-Family program was another pivot that reflected Israel Heart2Heart’s adaptability. Recognizing the upheaval families experienced, whether through displacement, loss, or the trauma of having loved ones in the line of fire, the program provided a bridge between those willing to give and those in dire need. The program saw a successful collaboration with Love Support, another organization with a shared mission, enhancing the support network for these families during their most trying times. Financial sustenance, a lifeline in the form of $5,000 distributed over five months, was promised to 23 families, demonstrating the power of community in times of crisis.
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, the concern for the future looms large for Shmil and the Israel Heart2Heart team. Post-war, the anticipated rise in PTSD cases amongst veterans presents a looming challenge. The surge in charitable giving observed during the conflict might wane, yet the need for comprehensive PTSD support will only intensify. Israel Heart2Heart is poised to face this challenge, with the foresight to understand that the real work begins when the war ends—preparing to meet the increased demand for their services, even as the flood of immediate relief funding recedes.
The Project:
Israel Heart2Heart is raising funds to expand its operation in anticipation of the increased number of soldiers suffering from PTSD due to the war. Their team of approximately 70 volunteers and 1 employee are committed to fostering coping mechanisms in soldiers suffering from PTSD so they can live full and healthy lives.
How to Give:
Israel Heart2Heart provides donors with tax-deductible receipts in the US. Click here to donate
Kosher Status:
Israel Heart2Heart was founded in 2022 as an accredited Israeli nonprofit organization. It is focused on scaling up core operations. As a relatively new organization, its financial reports are not yet available but the organization is transparent on its website regarding who is behind the organization. Board members, mentors, and yoga instructors all appear with pictures and bios describing their relevant experience.
Fine Print:
Kosher Giving is dedicated to providing information and insights about charitable projects to assist donors in making informed decisions. While we strive to offer valuable resources and vetted information, we do not endorse or recommend specific projects. Ultimately, the choice to support a particular project is a personal decision that should align with your individual philanthropic goals and values.