On 14th July, a group of mostly Stanmore families embarked on a week that would leave a profound and lasting impact on all of us. We had the enormous privilege of hosting a unit of IDF veterans through the remarkable charity Peace of Mind. The group travelled to London as part of a therapeutic programme, which also offered them some much-needed rest and recuperation. They arrived as strangers and left as family.
From the moment we met them, it was clear that this was no ordinary group. Nineteen members of the unit, accompanied by two professional facilitators, had come to the UK following a traumatic incident in which three members of their unit were tragically killed. Each day, the men took part in six-hour counselling sessions to process and begin healing from that experience.
Although the therapy sessions were private, the impact was soon visible. One veteran told us that he hadn’t smiled since the day of the incident. By day three, he smiled at me for the first time and later shared that he was grateful that his children would finally see their father smile again.
Every day the group was treated to delicious hot lunches generously donated by Louis Mann, and in the evenings, we arranged activities to help them unwind and relax. A welcome barbeque hosted by Nimi and Jenny Schwarzmann, was a fantastic opportunity for the hosts and veterans to get to know one another.
The week also included a rainy game of football at The Hive and an evening of darts at Flight Club, a bar in Central London. Unsurprisingly the men were very competitive, and the friendly rivalry made for an exciting and spirited evening.
The highlight of the week for me had to be Friday night. The Beit Mordechai was so full that it couldn’t accommodate everyone. The ruach, energy and enthusiasm in the room was palpable. Having hosted back in 2015 with my friend Camille Compton, we both knew the impact that the Friday night would have on both the host families and the veterans, but that night surpassed all our expectations.
We asked for there to be a lot of love in the room and we got that in abundance. The Freeman Susman Hall was packed to capacity, with a waiting list of guests who sadly couldn’t get in. Our incredible volunteer team, co-ordinated by Laura Sint and our own Siobhan Forbes, ensured everything ran smoothly.
Rabbi Eli addressed the congregation in English and the veterans in Ivrit. Our inspiring chazan, Jonny Turgel, led us in uplifting songs complete with Israeli flags waving high as the community stood on their chairs. At one point, the soldiers lifted Nimi and our co-chair, my husband David, onto their shoulders. I was kindly offered the same honour by Motty, one of the facilitators, but politely declined as I was wearing a dress!
The love in that room was tangible. Everyone felt it – the veterans, the hosts, the 235 guests, and even the waitresses! Coren Lass, Director of Peace of Mind, interviewed two veterans in front of a rarely silent Stanmore crowd. They shared the tragic circumstances that led to their selection to come to London from over 80 units on the Peace of Mind waiting list. Following this, their Battalion Commander spoke movingly about the three fallen soldiers and described the lasting impact their loss had on the entire unit.
Even after the event officially ended, no one was in a rush to leave. People wanted to speak to the veterans – to shake their hands, hug them, and express the UK Jewish community’s love and respect, especially from us here in Stanmore. We all left feeling elated.
The group joined us again on Shabbat morning. They were visibly touched to hear the prayers for the State of Israel and the IDF. Rabbi Eli gave a memorable sermon, followed by a special kiddush in honour of our guests. One of the veterans told me that he felt overwhelmed with all the love. He said that he is not religious and had never experienced a community before.
On Saturday evening, David and I hosted a Seudah for the hosts and veterans. By that point real bonds had formed. The men, who had initially been nervous about coming to the UK, were now relaxed and open, sharing how transformative the week had been. They reported that they could never have achieved the same results if they had had this therapy in Israel. There are too many distractions – responsibilities, work, family, sirens going off at all times of the day etc.
On Sunday, we held ‘Circle Time’ at shul. This emotional gathering gave us the chance to reflect together. There were happy tears, tight hugs, and the shared understanding that our incredible week was drawing to a close. We’d lived in a unique bubble, focused entirely on giving these heroes the love, space, and support they so richly deserve. They were returning home knowing that Jews across the globe, not just in Israel, pray for them, honour them, and appreciate their sacrifices.
A final barbeque, generously hosted by Anthony and Ruth Angel in their beautiful garden, closed the week. Keffi Wyse created a wonderful highlights video so the group would always have something to remember their time in London.
On Monday morning, it was time to say goodbye. Unsurprisingly it was emotional. These brave, kind, resilient men were heading home to their families and everyday lives, but they left a permanent mark on ours.
Camille, Nimi, Laura, I, and all the hosts were exhausted, but unanimously agreed: it was one of the most meaningful and rewarding weeks of our lives. One host even said, “Apart from my wedding day and the days my children were born, this was the best week of my life!”
After returning to Israel, one of the veterans sent this message: “You strengthened us with joy and love, and we came out stronger. We will never forget it.”
A heartfelt thank you to the Bower, Compton, Eder, Feiner, Gower, Krantz, Linskell, Moses, Newman, Rosen, Schwarzmann, and Sint families and to the countless volunteers, helpers and generous donors for making this magical week possible.
If you’d like to be involved when we host the next Peace of Mind group next year, please do get in touch.