Our buddy Elie Spivack (co- founder of Mercaz Lavi) came to us four years ago. He was a distinguished combat engineer suffering from PTSD, (post traumatic stress disorder). We did not know it at the time. All we knew about Elie is we adored him, he was a brilliant woodsmith who built our cabinets and furniture in our Jerusalem home and dear friend who ghosted us.

When we finally heard from him, he asked if he could visit. We’ve known Elie15 years, and have seen him try various diets, work out regimens, therapists and substances to calm himself or help with sleep. None of that did the job. He hit rock bottom. We nearly lost him. He had to detox.

Then he got Boomer a service dog. Boomer is specially trained to sense when Elie is losing control, possibly going into an alternate state (where he might hurt himself or others). Boomer is now a member of the family. Purchasing/training a dog of this nature is extremely expensive.

Elie, Tova (Elie’s wife and co-founder) and Boomer came to visit. They had an idea they wanted/needed to discuss with us; could we help them create/build something in Israel they wished existed to help Elie and others suffering from PTSD. The concept: a residential treatment facility exclusively for male combat soldiers suffering from severe PTSD. 

How is PTSD generally handled in Israel?

Existing facilities in Israel typically mix traumas and sexes, where a combat soldier suffering from PTSD, a victim of rape or domestic abuse and drug addiction could be under the same roof. The programs are mostly outpatient or institutional settings.

Elie tried a few programs,........

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