Lev Achad B’aretz, a grassroots group in Highland Park/Edison supporting community members with family serving, learning and living in Israel, hosted a talk on December 18 at Congregation Ohav Emeth by Koby H, a former Highland Park resident who made aliyah as a lone soldier. He spoke about his experience of being a lone soldier and his struggles with PTSD. He also talked about the vital work of the group Rescuers Without Borders.

Avi Berger, who attended the talk, described it as “very moving and uplifting” and was fascinated to hear how the speaker was able to use yoga therapy to manage his PTSD and to overcome his fear of public speaking. He thanked the speaker for his candor and described him as “a real hero.”

Michael Gordon stated: “Koby H. shared the frustration of many lone soldiers who are truly alone after they leave active duty. He suddenly lost his support system after being surrounded by his ‘guys,’ 24/7. Many great organizations, such as The Michael Levine Lone Soldier Center, offer support while on active duty, but none are truly geared to help after active duty.”

Harry Glazer is The Middlesex community editor of The Jewish Link. He can be reached at [email protected] and he welcomes reader feedback.