As with many things in life, there is both good and bad — the good is that we truly enjoyed the experience, and the bad is that it ended too soon.
This was how we felt following a series of processing sessions with a new Egoz team that joined us after their combat service.
That said, this is only a temporary farewell — a short break while the team travels abroad — and we look forward to welcoming them back with open arms upon their return.
So how did it all start?
This is where the Egoz Veterans Association came into the picture, reaching out to us and giving us the privilege of hosting a team in need of support and care.
It was not a simple task, and in a race against time, we managed to coordinate three meaningful evenings for these heroes who had just come out of the Gaza Strip — right before they boarded a flight to take a short break and reset.
First Two Sessions – Amdocs, Ra’anana
The first sessions were held at the offices of Amdocs Israel in Ra’anana, thanks to Liat Azulay, a member of our leadership team who works there and facilitated the connection.
Following this, Lior Levi, Chair of the organization, briefly shared an overview of our work and introduced the new series we were about to begin together, offering a short personal introduction to our new participants.
We opened with a few words from Liat, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming, home-like atmosphere for our guests. Shortly after, we moved into a writing and enrichment workshop led by Yair Eisenberg, a journalist from Uvda.
We then created the necessary space and privacy for Amit Faikovsky, a clinical psychologist and the organization’s professional director, together with Hila Yagil Sukoy, to sit in a closed and intimate setting with the team. Meanwhile, all other participants and support staff stepped out to the hallway, allowing the group the quiet and focus required for the meaningful process they were about to undergo.
Throughout the sessions, participants took short breaks to enjoy refreshments, light meals, and time to process and reflect.
We concluded with the wonderful Acupuncturists Without Borders, who provided a unique ear acupuncture treatment designed to support emotional processing and restore balance to the body.
During the second session, the focus shifted even deeper into the therapeutic process with our dedicated professionals, with most of the time devoted to this work — again concluding with a session by Acupuncturists Without Borders.
This is also a great opportunity to extend our sincere thanks to our volunteers who supported the sessions: Eden Shalev, Head of the Support Network, and M., a discharged officer (name withheld for security reasons), who ensured that everything ran smoothly and upheld the highest standards throughout the experience.
Session #3 – CR Community Relations Offices, Petah Tikva
The third session was held at the offices of CR Community Relations, thanks to Bruria Arman Naim, a member of the organization’s leadership, and her office manager Ronit, who hosted us generously and wholeheartedly — in true “Egoz” spirit.
In addition to the many treats prepared for the group, we were also delighted with beautiful and colorful cakes made by Mazal Shamai Gavir, a volunteer in the organization, who woke up at 5 a.m. to prepare everything fresh.
After enjoying everything that had been prepared for them, the Egoz team gathered, as usual, in a private room with Amit and Hila. Whatever unfolded inside remained their own — but when they emerged, there were smiles all around, and for us, there is no greater reward than that.
Following a short break, Lior Levi addressed the group, followed by Bruria, who shared additional insights from her business experience to support the team’s transition back into routine. Lior also invited feedback from everyone, aiming to learn, refine, and continuously improve future processing sessions.
We concluded all three sessions, as expected, with a fun cocktail workshop — a light and enjoyable way to break the ice and simply unwind together.
In the photos, you can also spot Mor Sasson from the Egoz Association, who joined us to experience the activity firsthand, observe the process, and take part in the workshop.
We would also like to thank Yael Elhanan, a volunteer in the organization, who came to take part and support the sessions, as well as Dekel Tzur, CEO of HELPTSD, and Eitan Feldman, Operations Manager, who were involved both on the ground and behind the scenes throughout all of the meetings.
Special thanks to Grooper and its owner Liron for providing a refreshing natural sparkling beverage in generous quantities across all three sessions (and thank you to Paz, a company employee who connected us!).
Above all, we were truly honored and grateful to host the Egoz team members — the very best of our people, those who stood on the front lines for us. We will do everything we can to be here for you at home, just as you were there for us.
Following the meaningful connection that was formed, we have begun a long-term collaboration with the Egoz Association, with great anticipation for continued impactful work together in the future — a true privilege.
