Shields of Resilience
Our combat soldiers are at risk of PTSD, trauma, and depression. They need tools and support to safely transition from the battlefield.
Shields of Resilience is the largest mental health initiative in IDF history, giving soldiers the critical support they need to re-enter combat and return to civilian life.
The Urgency of this moment
Background
The Largest Mental Health Initiative in Israel’s History
After October 7th, the IDF Manpower Division asked Momentum to spearhead a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the IDF’s Division of Mental Health and their Division of Behavioral Sciences. Shields of Resilience was developed based on the latest PTSD and trauma research.
After a pilot, the IDF has approved Shields of Resilience for all 125,000 combat soldiers. Today, over 620 facilitators have been trained and have screened more than 70,000 soldiers for PTSD. They are helping soldiers process their experiences in battle and are teaching resilience-building skills to transition on and off the battlefield.
Soldiers showing signs of PTSD are referred for additional assistance to the IDF’s Mental Health Division. The IDF’s Research Division is studying the effectiveness of the program and evaluating the impact of these interventions.
Supporting soldiers during & after their service
WAR UPDATE
Leading Shields of Resilience
As the war expands to Lebanon, soldiers are being called for their third and fourth tours of duty. They are enduring extreme levels of stress, trauma, and financial hardship. Many of their families are in crisis, and their risk of PTSD and burnout is extremely high. We urgently need YOUR help to provide Shields of Resilience to all 125,000 combat soldiers who are eligible to receive the program.
History of Partnership with the IDF
In 2008, the founders of Thank Israeli Soldiers created an Israeli nonprofit, Momentum, to work collaboratively with the IDF, helping to transition soldiers from service to civilian life. Since then, there have been over 100,000 graduates of Momentum programs from among all of the IDF’s combat units.
Momentum has developed a unique understanding of the psyche of soldiers and has skillfully trained civilian mental health professionals to work within the IDF’s very sensitive protocols. In 2022, our “Back to the Future” transition program was awarded the IDF Chief of Staff’s Award for Excellence in Programming and Innovation. Today, the IDF is a partner in most Momentum programs, demonstrating our strong collaboration and integration.
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Give Our IDF Heroes Tools to Increase their Resilience
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“Shields of Resilience is a shift to a more evidence-based, scientific approach to PTSD. We work to move the trauma from the amygdala, the more primitive part of the brain, to the frontal cortex where we have more control. The idea is to catch soldiers early enough so that they control the story rather than the story controlling them.”
Professir Yori Gidron, University of Haifa, Momentum Psychological Advisor
Our Partners
Think beyond the war, fortify this generation of soldiers
Together, We can make a difference
Your support goes a long way to strengthen the State of Israel and Jewish people around the world. Thank you for standing with the soldiers of the IDF during a time of war and sending urgently needed help to the front lines when it is needed most.
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