Karen and Michael Rabin of Highland Park opened their home to a crowd of nearly two dozen people on Sunday night, Sept. 8 to raise awareness of and support for the Peace of Mind initiative in Highland Park/Edison. HP/Edison Peace of Mind leaders Natalie Artel and Rosanne Koenigson spoke about the work of the local group and the lasting positive impact of the Peace of Mind program on IDF veterans who suffered from combat trauma.

The Highland Park/Edison community has been hosting a visit by a IDF combat unit every other year on behalf of the Israeli Peace of Mind organization for 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 of eight individuals. And although the IDF unit of 15-18 soldiers plus two therapists arrive 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 IDF unit.

To support the work of the Peace of Mind initiative in Highland Park/Edison, send a check (made out to American Friends of Peace of Mind) to: American Friends of Peace of Mind, 1581 Route 27, Suite 201, Edison, 08817.

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