Background

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological response to a traumatic experience, often expressed through flashbacks, nightmares, ongoing anxiety, and hyperarousal. Since the “Iron Swords” War, Israel has witnessed a sharp increase in the number of soldiers applying for recognition as PTSD survivors through the Ministry of Defense. Behind every soldier stands a family – parents and especially children, who face the emotional ripple effects every single day. When one parent suffers from PTSD, the entire household is affected: communication, emotional stability, the child’s sense of security, and even their healthy development.

Understanding that trauma impacts the whole family, this unique program was created to provide personalized emotional and social support for children and teens growing up with a parent coping with PTSD.

Target Population

Children and teenagers aged 7–18, whose parents are recognized – or in the process of recognition  by the Ministry of Defense Rehabilitation Department due to PTSD.

Program Goals

• trengthen the child’s sense of belonging and emotional safety.
• Provide a safe and supportive space for expression, healing, and growth.
• Equip each child with emotional, social, and educational tools to build personal resilience.
• Support parents by easing the family’s daily challenges – because when we help the child, we strengthen the entire family.

Program Framework:

Each participant is paired with a dedicated mentor – a positive adult role model who builds a consistent, caring relationship with the child.
Together with the family, the mentor identifies core needs and creates a personalized mentoring plan with clear goals and milestones.
Mentoring sessions take place up to four hours a week, usually in the child’s home environment, focusing on developing life skills, self-confidence, and resilience.

Recruitment, Training, and Professional Guidance:

With over 30 years of experience, the Yedidim Organization has been a national leader in mentoring programs for children and youth across Israel. All mentors are carefully selected through a comprehensive screening process evaluating emotional maturity, interpersonal skills, and long-term commitment. Before the mentorship begins, the program director meets with each family to ensure the best possible match between mentor and child. Mentors receive professional training through the Yedidim Institute for Leadership and Volunteer Management and benefit from continuous guidance, personal supervision, and group workshops throughout the year.

Partnerships and Professional Oversight

he project operates under the endorsement and support of Mrs. Michal Herzog, the First Lady of Israel, and is guided by a professional steering committee of leading experts in education, therapy, and civil society:

• Prof. Rivka Tuval-Mashiach – Chair of the Steering Committee, world-renowned trauma psychologist, and Vice President of Bar-Ilan University
• Shimon Siani – Founder of the Program, CEO of Yedidim, Founder of the Yedidim Leadership & Volunteer Institute, and Chair of Civil Leadership (Israel’s NGO umbrella organization)
• Dr. Avital Kai-Tzadok – Head of the MA Program in Social Work (Trauma & Resilience), Ruppin Academic Center
• Brig. Gen. (Res.) Yuval Harel – Head of the IAF Manpower Directorate, Israeli Air Force
• Hilit Shema, MSW – Program Director

In partnership with “Ilani Chesed”, the program also provides financial assistance to families in need who are not eligible for formal government support.