Shields of Resilience

Our combat soldiers are at risk of PTSD, trauma, and depression. They need tools and support to safely transition from the battlefield.

Shields of Resilience is the largest mental health initiative in IDF history, giving soldiers the critical support they need to re-enter combat and return to civilian life.

The Urgency of this moment

“There’s a huge need for PTSD screenings and processing of war experiences. We are responsible for the lives of our combat soldiers and the consequences of their service. It’s crucial for units to get closure, talk about what they went through, and share their personal and group stories.”

“If not caught early, soldiers are at risk of becoming violent, developing family problems with spouses and children, and suffering from drug and alcohol problems that will affect them for the rest of their lives.”

“8-15% of this population, and that's a lot, will not work, will not function well as fathers and mothers, and will suffer terribly if their mental health goes untreated.”

Background

The Largest Mental Health Initiative in Israel’s History

After October 7th, the IDF Manpower Directorate asked Momentum to spearhead a groundbreaking initiative in partnership with the IDF’s Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences Divisions. Shields of Resilience was developed using the latest research on trauma, PTSD, and resilience.

What began as a pilot has now become the largest mental health initiative in IDF history. More than 620 trained facilitators have led processing sessions for over 180,000 combat soldiers, with another 90,000 scheduled through 2025. Conducted in small, organic settings, the program screens soldiers for early signs of PTSD, provides an opportunity to process combat war experiences, and equips them with coping strategies to manage the difficult transition between the battlefield and home. By reinforcing resilience and cohesion, it ensures that soldiers can withstand the strain of repeated mobilizations and prolonged war.

Supporting soldiers during & after their service

WAR UPDATE

Leading Shields of Resilience

‍As the war expands to Lebanon, soldiers are being called for their third and fourth tours of duty. They are enduring extreme levels of stress, trauma, and financial hardship. Many of their families are in crisis, and their risk of PTSD and burnout is extremely high. We urgently need YOUR help to provide Shields of Resilience to all combat soldiers who are eligible to receive the program.

History of Partnership with the IDF

In 2008, the founders of Thank Israeli Soldiers created an Israeli nonprofit, Momentum, to work collaboratively with the IDF, helping to transition soldiers from service to civilian life. Since then, there have been over 100,000 graduates of Momentum programs from among all of the IDF’s combat units.

Momentum has developed a unique understanding of the psyche of soldiers and has skillfully trained civilian mental health professionals to work within the IDF’s very sensitive protocols. In 2022, our “Back to the Future” transition program was awarded the IDF Chief of Staff’s Award for Excellence in Programming and Innovation. Today, the IDF is a partner in most Momentum programs, demonstrating our strong collaboration and integration.

Help Us Strengthen Israeli Society

Give Our IDF Heroes Tools to Increase their Resilience

“Shields of Resilience is a shift to a more evidence-based, scientific approach to PTSD. We work to move the trauma from the amygdala, the more primitive part of the brain, to the frontal cortex where we have more control. The idea is to catch soldiers early enough so that they control the story rather than the story controlling them.”

Professir Yori Gidron, University of Haifa, Momentum Psychological Advisor