(Courtesy of Belev Echad) Amid the massive rocket attacks from Gaza on Israeli people in the past few days, the New York-based nonprofit Belev Echad is sending Israel Defense Forces (IDF) veterans with PTSD and their families who live within the range of Hamas rockets to hotels in northern Israel to find refuge from the sounds of sirens and rocket explosions. Belev Echad is already in the process of sending 30 soldiers and their families to hotels in the cities of Tiberias, Haifa and Netanya, and would like to send as many more as possible.

“Not many people are aware that the launch of thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians is causing former IDF soldiers with PTSD from their service a lot of suffering and restless nights,” said Rabbi Uriel Vigler, founder of Belev Echad. “We are proud to be able to offer these deserving heroes refuge from these challenging days, and will continue to support as many more soldiers as we can. This is the minimum we can do to show them our gratitude.”

Among the current soldiers Belev Echad has been able to provide hotel stays for are Sgt. (Res.) Yahel Landau (23), of the IDF Border Patrol; and Sgt. (Res.) Shoval Sha’ar (22), of the IDF artillery.

“In the days before we moved to the hotel, we experienced so many sirens and missile explosions, which filled me with fear and heightened anxiety and made me feel like I was once again on the battlefield,” said Sgt. (Res.) Yahel Landau. “Only when we reached the hotel, surrounded by nature and an open landscape, was I able to have a moment of peace. I am so grateful for this amazing gesture.”

Belev Echad is inviting all who would like to support IDF veterans with PTSD who live within missile range of Hamas rockets by providing them hotel stays, go to its website and make a donation: https://belevechad.nyc/operation-guardian-of-the-walls/.