On April 1-10, 2019, twelve wounded Israeli soldiers came to the Las Olas Jewish Center in South Florida for the inaugural “Mission Of A Life Time” through Israel Heart2Heart. From helicopter rides and NBA basketball games to parties and dinners honoring our heroes to community educational gatherings, our wounded Israeli warriors shared their stories, built relationships, and truly had a trip of a lifetime.
Each year, Israel Heart2Heart brings a group of Israeli combat veterans with PTS to South Florida on a fully paid, action packed trip. The Trip of a Lifetime serves as the culmination of a year long mind-body healing program. After working with their “Relationship Mentor” in Florida for over one year AND actively participating in Israel in our trauma-based yoga programs, our Israeli heroes are rewarded with a Trip of a Lifetime.
Although many come to South Florida with PTS and some with more physical wounds, they all leave with high spirits knowing they have an extended family in South Florida. Throughout the Trip of a Lifetime, our soldiers are immersed in programming in our Las Olas community, learning, sharing, praying, and partying with many different groups of people, all with a deep affection for Israel and our soldiers. The positive impact this has on soldiers with PTS is indescribable. And meeting their Relationship Mentor for the first time, after working with them for over a year has significant and lasting meaning for them. Added together, it is why this trip truly is a “Trip of a Lifetime”.
