Houston, Texas (May 17, 2022) – Yom Haatzmaut was the perfect occasion to launch the Friends of the IDF (FIDF) Houston chapter’s Women’s Brigade, a group of powerful local FIDF members who came together to support the soldiers that ensure the very existence of Israel, 74 years after its establishment. The May 5 luncheon specifically raised funds for veteran Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) combat soldiers in need of service dogs as they transition to civilian life. Many of these men and women cope with the effects of PTSD and other trauma resulting from their service.
Held at the home of Dr. Riva Collins Mitzner with 30+ local attendees, the intimate event featured guest speaker Omri Shafran, a veteran of the elite Airborne Combat Rescue and Evacuation 669 Unit, who detailed some of his most traumatic experiences, and how critical FIDF’s support was to him throughout his service.
"It is a life mission for me to represent all the soldiers with PTSD, who can’t express their feelings, their needs, their suffering here in the Houston community, and need our help and support,” said Shafran. “I am proud to be part of a community who contributes to the wellbeing of IDF soldiers."
Since Israel’s establishment in 1948, wars, intifadas, and periods of intensive terrorist violence have been constant. Even during periods of relative quiet, daily life in Israel involves persistent threats from its borders, all of which results in soldiers with physical or psychological trauma. For many of the soldiers, the mental and emotional wounds of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with or without a physical injury, are devastating.
Also featured at the event was the story IDF Veteran Tzuriel, and how his service dog, Eva, was instrumental in changing the trajectory of his life after service.
“IDF soldiers fight for Israel and for the Jewish people; it is our duty to alleviate suffering from their physical, mental, and emotional wounds, even after service, said Eliza Quigley, FIDF Houston chapter Director. “Soldiers who risk their lives for the collective good should not have to endure that burden alone and we are grateful to the Houston Women’s Brigade for their commitment to this extremely important initiative.”
FIDF’s Emotional Support Dog Program matches veterans with a fully trained dog. After an intensive three-month period of training, plus 10 sessions with the new veteran owner, the dogs learn to recognize anxiety, depression, and distress. They are trained to respond to it and relieve symptoms. Beyond that, they deliver affection, comfort, and support. As coping with daily life becomes easier and anxieties decrease, veterans slowly gain the confidence to reintegrate into society.
Event attendees included: Diane Kaminsky, Ellen Fiesinger, Robin Greenspan, Joan Lebow, Ariel Reichenthal, Jaclyn Reichenthal, Rhonda Bass, Claudia Selzer, Sharon Brier, Nicole Manning and Claire Johnson.
Below please find photos from the event. Photo credits: Elisheva Golani, courtesy of FIDF.
