The recent ceasefire with Lebanon has given many of us a chance to pause and consider that the war in Lebanon may finally be nearing its end. Yet, for those of us who lived through it, it is far from over. As I write this, the war continues in Gaza, Yehuda v Shomron, and quietly in Lebanon. Just two days ago, I attended the funeral of lone soldier Omer Neutra who was confirmed murdered on Oct. 7. There was a funeral without his body, leaving his family from Long Island to mourn with an unimaginable void.
Having served two tours during this war, Chervot Barzel (Operation Swords of Iron), I can tell you that the end of combat operations does not mean the end of the war’s impact. Just two months ago, four of my teammates were killed in Lebanon and countless others continue to recover from injuries. So many of these brave soldiers are fighting for their lives physically and mentally, every day. The weight of war doesn’t leave us when the fighting stops; it clings to us long after.
When I founded Nevut International Lone Soldiers in 2017, our mission was simple: to provide a lifeline for lone soldiers who return to the U.S. after their service in the IDF. The war in 2014, Tzuk Eitan, left scars that no one wanted to acknowledge. Back then, no one talked about the toll it took on those who fought. Lone soldiers who returned home often faced isolation, with no one to turn to who could truly understand. Nevut became a community, a resource for mental health support and a place where these soldiers could begin to heal. But there was so much more work to be done.
In the summer of 2023, just before the outbreak of this war, we had a soldier from Tzuk Eitan who reached out to us, ready to end his life. Hours of phone calls, messages and careful intervention saved him. This is an example of the lifesaving work Nevut is doing every day.
With many lone soldiers now returning from this war, Nevut is stepping in to fight the battle that follows soldiers from the front lines. While many people continue to focus on gear, barbecues on base and similar acts of support, Nevut is focusing on the critical challenge of addressing the invisible wounds of war: PTSD, trauma, a sense of disconnection and the loneliness that settles in once soldiers return to everyday life.
At Nevut, when you adopt a soldier, sponsor an intensive mental health retreat, donate toward subsidized therapy or support a community chapter program in the U.S., you’re not just helping — you’re saving lives. Our programs provide vital mental health resources, a community and a path forward for those who risked everything to defend Israel.
The hard work begins now. Your support and partnership are critical. If you know a lone soldier back in the U.S. who could use a visit, conversation or connection, we are here. At Nevut, our dedicated team of fellow lone soldier veterans and mental health professionals are ready to help.
If you’d like to get involved, reach out to us at nevut.org or email me directly at [email protected].
Let’s ensure that those who sacrificed so much know they’re not alone. In this zechut, may we merit the safe return of all hostages, healing for the wounded and strength for all of Am Yisrael.
Rabbi Ari Abramowitz is founder and CEO of Nevut International Lone Soldiers.
