Meet the Unit We’ll Be Hosting

​

Beth El is pleased to welcome a close-knit group of 21 paratrooper veterans, ages 25–39. Many first served together during their mandatory military service and later reunited through reserve duty. They have known one another for years, sharing not only friendship, but also demanding and intense experiences in service together. 

​

Today, many are students, professionals, spouses, and parents of young children. They are building careers, continuing their education, and starting families while also carrying the responsibilities of ongoing reserve service. 

​

Since October 7th, the group has been called up for several demanding reserve rotations. Beginning on October 8th, they served through four rounds of reserve duty and took part in operations across multiple fronts, including Gaza, the Western Galilee, Lebanon, and Syria. 

​

These extended periods of service have meant long stretches away from families, studies, jobs, and the routines of civilian life. Along with the demands of the service itself comes an ongoing uncertainty familiar to many reservists: not knowing when the next call-up may come, how long it will last, or how long this period of repeated military service will continue. 

​

This team has also experienced difficult moments together. During their first ground operation in Gaza, four members of the team were wounded in a mortar attack. Additional team members were injured in later combat incidents. Some have since returned to work, school, daily life, and even further reserve duty, while others continue to navigate physical rehabilitation, lasting injuries, and the emotional impact of what they have experienced. ​​​

​

A Week with our Beth El Community 

One of the most meaningful parts of the Peace of Mind program is a week spent together outside of Israel, hosted by a Jewish community abroad. 

The physical distance from Israel, combined with the quiet, safety, and support of the host community, creates an important environment for the veterans' therapeutic work. Participants report an increased ability to process their combat experiences while away from the pressures and routines of daily life. 

At the same time, the warmth and gratitude they receive from Jewish communities abroad remind these veterans that they are part of a larger Jewish community that cares about them and appreciates all they have given. 

Two-thirds of Peace of Mind participants demonstrate significant post-traumatic growth following the program. Participants have also shown improvements in everyday functioning, emotional regulation, communication with their families, and feelings of social support, along with decreases in depressive symptoms. 

“These are the soldiers who give Israel ‘Peace of Mind.’ So friends, it is our duty to help them find their Peace of Mind.” - Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks 

​​

A Note from Peace of Mind Chair, Susan Levin

​

Last November Beth El hosted a beautiful Shabbat dinner to welcome and honor a group of IDF veterans from the Oketz unit in the IDF.  These young men were in San Diego as part of a therapeutic program called Peace of Mind.  I was moved to hear their stories and to hear from several San Diegans who had the pleasure of hosting them in their homes during their stay.

​

I am thrilled that Beth El will be hosting another combat unit not just for a Shabbat dinner, but for their week-long stay in San Diego.  I have volunteered to chair this program, and I know that our CBE community will open up their doors and hearts to these incredibly brave soldiers.  Additional information will be coming soon and I look forward to connecting with many of you who might be able to help us create a week that will be unforgettable.

​

With gratitude, 
Susan Levin
POM Chair ​

​

If you are interested in hosting soldiers from our unit November 8-15, please contact Susan Levin:

​