ANCHORED IN THE EARTH

With the Encouragement of The Matanel Foundation

The events of October 7 and the ensuing multi-front war have resulted in severe physical, emotional, and psychological damage for thousands of IDF reservists. Though not all who experience acute trauma will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), government authorities estimate that thousands of reservists are already somewhere along the continuum.

Need

Vision

"Anchored in the Earth” is a new initiative that provides sustained exposure to healthy, nature-based activities for IDF reservists on the PTSD spectrum as well as for those struggling with other forms of emotional distress. Outreach taps into the healing power of nature and the highly satisfying experience of productive agricultural work, thus leading to increased resilience, reduced isolation, and the development of new capacities.

Program

The program engages 45 IDF reservists (ages 21+) along the continuum of PTSD and those dealing with other forms of mental distress in a long-term, agriculture-based therapeutic program. Significantly, eligibility does not depend on Ministry of Defense diagnoses, a process that can be dangerously long. The program comprises four annual cycles; each brings together 15 people and lasts for 10 weeks, with 14 hours of weekly programming.

Goals

Address symptom management and emotional regulation; improve interpersonal relationships; and provide tools for growth.

Increase personal resilience and the emotional capacities to return to full function.

Create a cohesive community-based support system, thus encouraging belonging and purpose, things many were drawn to and found comforting in their army service.

Facilitate activities that contribute to the greater good in ways that do not include military service.

Complement other external treatment therapies.

Location & Program Partner

Activities take place on two acres of fertile land on the grounds of Bein Hatlamim—a Kaima-inspired farm, located in the north, near Pardes Hanna. The setting is quiet, serene, and well-suited to meet the needs of this special population.

Particpant Feedback

"I started the program as if everything was fine…without noticing the deep undercurrents. It was only when I met people in similar situations that I was able to understand that not everything was okay with me, that I needed help."

“The experience helped me understand the personal conflict at home. I so missed who I was before the war...the program was for me like a rebirth."

"The farm was like a mother's womb. To sit around the fire, to eat, to talk together…I had been living in a never-ending whirlwind, but the program allowed me to recover. I'm less angry with myself for the confusion and upheaval I've experienced."

"This program saved me, mainly from myself and from the waves of difficulty I brought back with me. By feeling I was safe to look inward, both my family and I are starting to heal."

In the News: Watch & Listen

Channel 13's Hilla Alroy, a well-respected health correspondent, reports on Anchored in the Earth's effective alternative treatment for IDF reservists. Watch her powerful 10-minute piece (in Hebrew) about the surging use of sedatives as a consequence of the war HERE. A short excerpt wth English subtitles can be viewed HERE.

The Bridge Podcast showcases deeply personal conversations with men and women who served in Israel’s military and were exposed to shocking events. In this episode, Reserve soldier Shahar discusses his struggle with trauma following his service in Gaza and how Kaima’s “Anchored in the Earth” is helping him to reach and “soften” his pain in ways that traditional therapy could not. Listen HERE in Hebrew.

ec099fm hosts a very popular morning show, Boker Hadash (New Morning). Their team--Tal Berman, Avia Farhi, and Tom Aharon--spoke with Anchored in the Earth’s Guy Bar Navon, which provided tremendous exposure to their vast audience. Listen HERE in Hebrew.

ICAR (Israel’s Collective Action for Resilience) brings together leading experts in medicine, psychology, public health, philanthropy, and investment to accelerate trauma healing and safeguard health, productivity, and security. ICAR recently interviewed Anchored in the Earth creator, Guy Bar-Navon. Listen HERE in Hebrew.