HELPTSD Support Program

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Nafsham Support – The HELPTSD Support Program


תכנית הדגל של עמותת שמרו נפשם היא תכנית עיבוד חוויות קרב לצוותי לוחמה משוחררים, עליה הורחב במאמר נפרד באתר (לקריאה לחצו כאן), ובמספר דוגמאות לעיבודים שאושרו לפרסום בעמוד הפעילויות שלנו.



עם זאת, כחלק מהעלייה בבקשות הסיוע השונות מתחילת מלחמת “חרבות ברזל”, שמנו לעצמנו מטרה ללוות נפגעי פוסט טראומה ממלחמות קודמות (אשר חווים פלאשבקים בימים קשים אלו) במסע של החלמה ושיקום, כמו גם לוחמים שיצאו לאחרונה משדה הקרב ורק זקוקים למקור קרוב לעיבוד, פריקה ושיתוף. לשם כך צירפנו אל שורותינו מלווים אשר ילוו את התמודדותם של הלוחמים עם האתגרים השונים לאורך הדרך.

Eden's journey

Eden’s Journey of Growth – Illustration

The social support program is led by Eden Shalev.

Eden’s story is one of courage and inspiration. She experienced a rare and life-threatening injury during her basic training in the army and was immediately discharged, officially recognized as a disabled IDF veteran.

She joined us at the age of 20, and from the very beginning volunteered to support four discharged combat soldiers who were hesitant to seek treatment. Through weekly phone calls, she helped them open up, talk about their struggles, and gradually move forward toward their personal goals.

As the number of individuals seeking help grew, we established a personalized support system that includes both phone calls and in-person meetings. We recruited key volunteers to take part in the program — offering peer-level support, being available during unconventional hours, meeting in cafés, and even spending time together socially with those reaching out for help.

It was only natural that Eden would go on to lead this initiative, guiding not only those seeking support but also the volunteers themselves throughout the recovery journey.

Our support network is complemented by professional therapists who contribute from their private practices in their spare time — including psychologists, psychotherapists, NLP practitioners, and coaches supporting mothers and partners. Some of those seeking help are eventually referred to these professionals for continued care, while others simply benefit from having a space to share or from guidance toward official rehabilitation services. These professionals also provide valuable insights and guidance to our volunteers.

In addition, we offer a broader support framework that includes assistance with employment after recovery (led by a recruiter from the delivery company Wolt), as well as legal and rights support provided by law students, licensed attorneys, and former IDF rehabilitation and casualty support officers — helping individuals navigate processes מול אגף השיקום and access the support they are entitled to.


Welcome, Noa!

The social support program is led by Eden Shalev.

Eden’s story is one of courage and inspiration. She experienced a rare and life-threatening injury during her basic training in the army and was immediately discharged, officially recognized as a disabled IDF veteran.

She joined us at the age of 20, and from the very beginning volunteered to support four discharged combat soldiers who were hesitant to seek treatment. Through weekly phone calls, she helped them open up, talk about their struggles, and gradually move forward toward their personal goals.

As the number of individuals seeking help grew, we established a personalized support system that includes both phone calls and in-person meetings. We recruited key volunteers to take part in the program — offering peer-level support, being available during unconventional hours, meeting in cafés, and even spending time together socially with those reaching out for help.

It was only natural that Eden would go on to lead this initiative, guiding not only those seeking support but also the volunteers themselves throughout the recovery journey.

Our support network is complemented by professional therapists who contribute from their private practices in their spare time — including psychologists, psychotherapists, NLP practitioners, and coaches supporting mothers and partners. Some of those seeking help are eventually referred to these professionals for continued care, while others simply benefit from having a space to share or from guidance toward the Ministry of Defense Rehabilitation Department. These professionals also provide valuable insights and guidance to our volunteers.

In addition, we offer a broader support framework that includes assistance with employment after recovery (led by a recruiter from the delivery company Wolt), as well as legal and rights support provided by law students, licensed attorneys, and former IDF rehabilitation and casualty support officers — helping individuals navigate processes with the Ministry of Defense Rehabilitation Department and access the support they are entitled to.

Noa Weisman – HELPTSD

Expanding the Leadership Team

In light of the program’s growth, and alongside Noa’s partial departure (she now supports us solely in rights-related matters due to personal commitments), we have strengthened our support network with two outstanding new managers:

The first is A. (whose name cannot be disclosed), a discharged combat soldier recognized by the Ministry of Defense following experiences during the Second Lebanon War. He has since rehabilitated, become a father and a company CEO, and serves as a true source of inspiration.

The second is Tomer Batzar, who previously served as a highly successful support coordinator in two different cases and has now received the well-deserved opportunity to step forward. Tomer is a former surveillance soldier, a graduate of psychology studies, a former volunteer in the psychiatric department at Sheba Medical Center (Tel Hashomer), and currently a clinical social work student.

Tomer Batzar – HELPTSD

To support the growing workload and increasing demand, Shirley Ben Yaakov has joined the program and was promoted to the role of Support Coordinator. Shirley, a psychology student at Ashkelon Academic College, previously served as a support provider within the organization and did outstanding work with veterans of the “Swords of Iron” war, strongly connecting with the organization’s values.

Joining her is Y., a reserve combat medic and a student of complementary medicine. He lives in northern Israel and has completed hundreds of reserve duty days during the “Swords of Iron” war, bringing with him valuable firsthand experience from the field.

Shirley Ben Yaakov – HELPTSD

We also welcomed Aviv Maoz to the program — a combat medic and fighter in the Search and Rescue Unit reserves. Aviv is a second-year student of Psychology and Education at Ben-Gurion University and one of the founders of the “B’Derech HaYam” resilience program in Kibbutz Palmachim, which supports at-risk youth and combat veterans. Aviv is actively serving during the “Swords of Iron” war and brings with her significant experience, both from the field and from her civilian work.

Aviv Maoz – HELPTSD

Support Network Team Members

מערך המלווים שלנו מגוון ורחב, כשמרביתם מאמין במתן בסתר, ולכן חלקם הגדול מהם אינו מופיע ברשימה זו. לבקשתם, לא נוכל לחשוף את שמות ותמונות כל הצוות, אשר מורכב מעם ישראל היפה על כל גווניו: ממלווה הומלסים לשיקום לשעבר, למפקדי לוחמה משוחררים שידעו לתמוך בחיילים במשבר במהלך השירות, סייעת טיפולית באלו”ט, אנשים שחוו משברים קשים וגברו עליהם ובאים להעניק מניסיונם, סטודנטים לפסיכולוגיה ועבודה סוציאלית, מטפלים אלטרנטיביים ועוד.

Yael Elhanun – HELPTSD

Yael Elchanon

A discharged combat soldier and former commander in the Jerusalem Border Police District, who recently completed reserve duty. Strong yet sensitive, she provides thoughtful support using the tools she has gained through her life and military service.

Neria Tzabary

Living with complex PTSD since the age of 7, he uses his life experience and personal journey to help others learn how to overcome challenges and keep moving forward.

Adi Yahia – HELPTSD

Adi Yahia

A discharged combat Hummer operator who now draws on her field experience and close communication with soldiers to provide both phone-based and in-person support.

Tomer Batzar – HELPTSD

Tomer Betzer

Has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree student in clinical psychology, volunteered for a year in the psychiatry department in Tel Hashomer, and is a released observer. Face-to-face and telephone companion.

Kosta Kramer – HELPTSD

Kosta Kramer

A personal coach trained in NLP, and owner of the tech company Aplit Soft. Previously served as a Director at Western Digital. Provides both in-person and phone-based support.

Eran Shani – HELPTSD

Eran Shani

Holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Society and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Has experience in mindfulness workshops, stress management, and more, and is part of the support network.

Aviv Maoz – HELPTSD

Aviv Maoz

A combat medic and fighter in the Search and Rescue Unit reserves. Aviv is a second-year student of Psychology and Education at Ben-Gurion University and one of the founders of the “B’Derech HaYam” resilience program.

Shirley Ben Yaakov

Retired faculty coordinator and second year psychology student at Ashkelon Academic College. Assists face-to-face and over the phone, full of giving, doing with kindness and a desire to learn more and develop.

Noa Weisman – HELPTSD

Noa Wiseman

Welfare social worker in Ramat Hasharon municipality. Assists those seeking help with advice, support and guidance. In addition, transfers overlaps to new volunteers in the escort department at the association.

Ayelet Renan – Movement Therapist

Ayelet Renan

A facilitator of movement therapy workshops using the Expression Primitive method in Israel and across Europe. Takes part in the organization’s events and brings a unique therapeutic perspective. Provides both in-person and phone-based suppor

Daniel Avraham Haddad – HELPTSD

Daniel Avraham Haddad

Received support from the organization after returning from reserve duty during the “Swords of Iron” war, through a precise and rapid process. Today, he uses his experience to guide others seeking help, providing both phone-based and in-person support.

Aharon Ifreimov

He participated in a processing program with his team, “Paz” (Paratroopers Reconnaissance Unit), following Operation Protective Edge, and now contributes from the other side, drawing on his personal experience. Recently, he transitioned into a role supporting the management of the support program.

If you need support or would like to join our efforts, leave your details and we’ll get back to you!

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“Do you remember the fields, the daffodils on Saturdays, everything passed so quickly and it’s a bit hard to remember how once it was simple

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