Healing, Hope, and Resiliency – A Mission for 22 Teenagers of Our Fallen IDF

by Nechama “Natalie” Gutman

Israel Heart2Heart, whose program was created to offer healing to wounded IDF soldiers struggling with PTS through a mind, body, and soul approach, took on a new mission last week to restore hope to the children of the fallen IDF soldiers who are left behind. Despite the short notice and logistical difficulties to host due to the recent arson at their home base in South Florida, there was no question when approached about being involved in this unique mission trip that Israel Heart2Heart staff was all in!

With only two weeks’ notice, the trip was planned, and 22 teenage boys from 14-17 left on a 10-day adventure of a lifetime. This journey to South Florida promised to give this group of teens all the warmth Israel Heart 2 Heart & The Las Olas Chabad Jewish Community had to offer. From the moment the teens stepped off the plane, they were greeted with love. Families were holding signs welcoming them to South Florida, carrying candy and cheers of excitement. “It was incredible,” one teen remarked, “a total stranger spent 4 hours in traffic just greet us!” From there, the boys were taken to an incredible dinner at Fuego by Mana, done with the Loving Mom’s organization. The night was filled excitement and the teens left with full bellies and full hearts from the beautiful reception they received.

The next day began with water tubing, which gave the group a real taste of life in South Florida. The sun shone as the teens zipped around the lake, flipping the tubes over and having a blast. How many people are in your family? One volunteer asked one of the teens making conversation, “Seven, six, seven, I’m not sure what the answer is anymore,” He responded with a sigh. From the outside, they appear to be like any other teenage boys, laughing, joking, and complaining about a five-minute time out. When you talk to them and get to know their stories though, you will quickly see that their lives are no longer those of innocent children but of young men forced into adulthood before their time.

Another local restaurant, Bowl’d in Boca, hosted lunch. The teens were greeted by a table full of food that they devoured with gusto as only teenage boys could. Our Israel Heart 2 Heart Bubby, Marilyn Simon Weinberg and Kim Champion of the Boca Rotary Club joined the group for lunch. Bubby Weinberg showered them with gifts and extravagant desserts custom-made for them. From there, the group traveled to Xtreme Action Park, where they enjoyed laser tag, go-cart racing, arcades, and more, allowing them to get their energy out before the evening event.

Tuesday evening’s community event was a living and breathing example of everything the Jewish people have gone through. The event served as a painful reminder that in every generation, an enemy has risen to destroy the Jewish nation. Yet, somehow, the Jewish nation has continued to survive and thrive. Listening to these young men speak about their parents and the legacy they leave behind left the room in tears. Some of these teens have voluntarily put on kitat konanut (community security) uniforms in the absence of their fathers. “Who will protect my mom and my community now that my father is gone,” one of the teens shared. “I used to do security with my father in Sderot daily; now, after school, I use the skills he taught me and continue to patrol his route alone,” he continued. During the evening, the teens were given monetary gifts to spend on items they chose. One teen simply said, “My mom needs this money more than I” and packed it in his suitcase to bring home.

There was no denying the heaviness surrounding the community as these teens recounted what brought them on this unique mission trip. Rabbi Slavaticki retold a story he had heard the week previously about a hero from Otniel, who waved goodbye to his five children on October 7th and spent 14 hours in combat on Kibbutz Beeri. This incredible hero saved over a hundred people until he fell at the hands of terrorists hiding inside a Jewish home; he passed away in the arms of his brother. As the Rabbi finished the story and shared the final words of the dying soldier, you could see a young teen standing by, “he is talking about my father,” he whispered to the person next to him, mixed with both sorrow and pride.

Mixed in with the tears was a buzz of excitement as nearly two dozen local teenagers came to meet this incredible delegation. Together, both groups began to sing and dance, loudly proclaiming Am Yisroel Chai. The excitement and joy of the group of teenagers, standing together unified was just as palpable as the feeling of grief earlier in the night. It was a roller coaster of emotions for everyone present. As the evening concluded, while the community enjoyed a full sushi and dessert bar from Naama Sushi & Jessica Abrams Bakery, the 22 teens were ecstatic to go on personal Ferrari rides organized by the South Florida Ferrari Club.

Wednesday was the final day of this incredible trip. During breakfast sponsored by Mizrachi Pizza, the Fort Lauderdale marine unit pulled up to the dock at the house where the teens were staying. The boys were shocked as they were taken out on boats by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department through the intercoastal. Knowing that so many of these young teens lost their parents in uniform and watching the positive interaction between these law enforcement officers and the teens was incredibly moving to everyone involved. While everyone wanted to stay out on the water longer, it was time to pack and head back. The boys were taken shopping and then had lunch by Hadekel, followed by a quick trip to the Jazwares warehouse where they met with Judd & Laura Zebersky, the CEO of the company, and received valuable tips for life and were given gifts to bring home for them and their families. While at Jazwares, the teens also had the honor of meeting with Jimmy Patronis, the CFO of the State of Florida. They got to hear firsthand what the State of Florida is doing to Florida has done to support Israel by purchasing over 250 million dollars in Israel bonds.

The mission of Israel Heart 2 Heart remains unchanged. The organization will continue to support the brave IDF soldiers who are struggling with PTS as a result of their service, and their work is needed now more than ever before. The ability, however, to bring hope and healing to the children of our fallen soldiers “was an honor and a privilege,” Nechama Gutman, a team member at Israel Heart 2 Heart, remarked. As these 22 brave teens return home from their whirlwind journey, they carry with them memories and a profound sense of purpose. Their laughter, tears, and shared experiences have woven a tapestry of resilience, unity, and hope. Through the highs and lows of this transformative trip, we pray that they have realized that they are not just the children of fallen heroes but also integral parts of the strength of the Jewish Nation. As they continue on their journeys through life, may they always find comfort in knowing that no matter where they go they have the unwavering support of the Israel Heart 2 Heart Family and Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center Community behind them.

To find out more about Israel Heart to Heart, please see www.IsraelHeart2Heart.org or email us at office@israelheart2heart.org