The Highland Park/Edison community has been hosting a visit by an IDF combat unit on behalf of the Israeli Peace of Mind organization every other year for the past five years. IDF combat units come to dozens of communities throughout the United States and other countries for respite and group counseling to process post-traumatic stress, as well to receive support from diaspora Jewry.

The Peace of Mind initiative is unique in Highland Park/Edison in that it is not based in one shul or community institution but rather reflects the collective efforts of seven synagogues/minyanim and an active local committee representing the community. And though the IDF unit of 15-18 soldiers, plus two therapists, arrives in the fall for their week-long visit, the local committee works all spring, summer and into the fall to raise the $60,000 needed to host and hold activities for the unit.

On Sunday, Aug. 4, Highland Park/Edison Peace of Mind local committee co-chair Natalie Artel and committee member Roz Beberman visited the home of Carrie Mitnick and Matt Hale to speak to a small group about the organization and to raise funds and awareness for the 2024 visit by an IDF combat unit. On Sept. 8, Karen and Michael Rabin will host a similar gathering in their home.

For more information on the Highland Park/Edison Peace of Mind initiative, email Artel at [email protected].

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