Bridging Warriors:
U.S. Veterans & First Responders Supporting Israeli Heroes
A mission of resilience, solidarity, and healing by connecting those who serve
Mission Overview
We are organizing a Post-Traumatic Growth Israel Mission to bring a select group of U.S. veterans, first responders, and special forces personnel to Israel. The purpose of this mission is to:
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Show solidarity and support for Israeli first responders and soldiers.
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Foster mutual understanding of trauma and resilience by sharing personal stories and experiences of recovery from PTSD and other service-related challenges.
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Promote mental health awareness among both U.S. and Israeli participants.
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Educate American veterans and officers on the realities of antisemitism and anti-Zionism, strengthening their compassion and advocacy within their communities.
The aim is to offer a unique, timely intervention, empowering Israeli first responders and soldiers through authentic peer connection, resilience modeling, and mental health normalization.
Why This Mission Matters
Israel's first responders and soldiers are facing a mental health crisis. Since October 7th, Israeli soldiers and first responders have faced severe, cumulative trauma including combat exposure, mass casualty events, and ongoing frontline duty have intensified PTSD, moral injury, and mental health crises within military and emergency services.¹ ²
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Combat-related PTSD is rising. The Israeli Ministry of Defense estimates about 5% of soldiers now suffer from acute PTSD, with significantly more in high-combat roles.³
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Suicide rates are accelerating. Reports document at least 44 IDF suicides since the war began: 7 in late 2023, 21 in 2024, and 16 in 2025—a decade-high.¹ ²
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Treatment-seeking is dramatically underutilized. In one cohort study, only 2.2% of heavily exposed soldiers sought PTSD treatment, implying a treatment gap of 3–11%, especially among those most at risk.⁴
Mental Health Stigma & Barriers: Stigma and career fear discourage help-seeking. Israeli soldiers frequently internalize strong stigma around PTSD and fear that mental health disclosures could damage their military careers.⁵ Soldiers fear career repercussions, shame, and rejection, reducing their willingness to access mental health services.⁶ First responders face similar cultural barriers. Research on Israeli civilian military security coordinators volunteering in trauma zones finds high rates of PTSD and emotional distress combined with limited help-seeking because of stigma and community pressures.⁷ The stigma leads many to underreport symptoms, delay care, or self-manage until burnout or crisis.
Peer support from U.S. warriors can help. Hearing from U.S. veterans and special forces who have navigated PTSD, moral injury, reintegration, and stigma carries credibility that clinical professionals cannot replicate:
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Witnessing recovery from trauma resonates. Peer-to-peer sharing can instill hope, reduce shame, and model help-seeking behaviors in a language that military and first responder cultures trust.
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Stories translate lived strategies into action. U.S. peers can teach concrete tools for managing intrusive memories, survivor guilt, family strain, and moral injury.
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Peer networks foster sustainability. Building U.S.–Israel networks enables continued support, training, and cultural exchange beyond one visit.
1. Haaretz. As Mental Health Crisis Deepens, Another Israeli Soldier Dies by Suicide on Base (July 16, 2025).
2. Times of Israel. Experts Warn of Mental Health Crisis Among IDF Personnel Ahead of Memorial Days (April 6, 2025).
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3. Friends of the IDF (FIDF). PTSD & Mental Health Services (2024).
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1. Haaretz. As Mental Health Crisis Deepens, Another Israeli Soldier Dies by Suicide on Base (July 16, 2025).
2. Times of Israel. Experts Warn of Mental Health Crisis Among IDF Personnel Ahead of Memorial Days (April 6, 2025).
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4. Levin, Y. et al. Treatment Seeking for Posttraumatic Stress in Israel Defense Forces. NCBI PMC (2020).
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5. Aish.com article “PTSD, Stigma and the Israeli Army” (June 2024).
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6. Jerusalem Post. The Battle for IDF Soldiers’ Mental Health: Stigma Prevents Help-Seeking (2024).
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7. Shacham, M., et al. “Mental Health and Trauma Among Civilian Military Security Coordinators During Conflict.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, MDPI (2022).
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Who is Involved in This Mission
This mission is a collaborative effort between U.S. veterans, first responders, mental health professionals, and partner organizations in Israel—all united by a shared commitment to resilience, healing, and solidarity.
Our Team:
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Trauma Clinician specializing in military and first responder trauma.
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Peer Leaders: A select group of U.S. combat veterans, special forces personnel, and police officers who have overcome trauma and are committed to supporting others.
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Israeli Partners & Organizations: We are connecting with organizations on the ground—including emergency services, mental health professionals, and first responder and military networks, and others—who are welcoming this mission to bring support, solidarity, and education.
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Supporters & Funders: The mission will hopefully be supported by foundations, community partners, and donors who believe in the power of peer support and cross-cultural healing. Their contributions make it possible for veterans and first responders to travel and serve.
We'd Love to Hear From You
