Packing "trendy" gifts for children of veterans with PTSD, prepared by individuals facing mental health challenges.
Moving moments of Israeli solidarity were recorded today at the "Pisga" Center in Jerusalem as President Isaac Herzog and First Lady Michal Herzog alongside Jerusalem Foundation President Erik Grabelksy, arrived to participate in a special gift-packing operation for Passover. The initiative of 12-year-old Arava Doron, a sixth-grader from Ramat HaSharon connects communities and creates a chain of unity: from the people of Ramat HaSharon, through mental health service users in Jerusalem, to the children of veterans battling PTSD across the country.
"Instead of Gefilte Fish – Gifts Kids Actually Love"
It all began when Arava Doron decided to mark her Bat Mitzvah year in an original way. She enlisted her family, friends, and many residents of Ramat HaSharon to purchase "joyful" gifts for 1,208 children of veterans with PTSD, who are supported by the Israel Public Health Association’s mentorship program.
Arava Doron explained: "I heard about many campaigns distributing food vouchers and supplies. I thought that while it helps the parents, what child is happy to receive a jar of gefilte fish? I thought about what makes me and my friends happiest—we love trends (and so do our parents, even if they won't admit it). I decided to raise money to buy gifts that would truly gladden their hearts. Thanks to our community, we have already successfully raised funds for 512 gifts."
A Moving Connection at the Sheltered Workshop
The gifts arrived at the "Cula" sheltered workshop (operated by the Israel Public Health Association), which provides individuals facing mental health challenges with employment opportunities and social skills. The participants at "Cula" and the "Derech HaOmanut" factory (also operated by the Israel Public Health Association) joined the packing mission with great enthusiasm, eager to be part of the national effort.
The highlight of the event was the arrival of the President and his wife, who joined the packing work alongside the participants and Arava. The President offered words of blessing and encouragement, noting that the initiative is a "beacon of faith and mutual responsibility."
Commitment to the Families of PTSD Veterans
Advocate Yasmin Nahum, CEO of the Israel Public Health Association, added: "The Israel Public Health Association operates a national response network for veterans with PTSD, wounded IDF soldiers, and their families. Arava's choice to dedicate her project to the children of these veterans left us speechless. Seeing the mental health service users packing these gifts with such excitement was an experience that left not a dry eye in the room. I thank the President and the First Lady for the hope they brought with them, and our partners: the Jerusalem Foundation, Joseph Project international, Amot, Tibis Shoham, and the Pisga Center in Jerusalem. In days of pain and worry, Arava gave us all a lesson in the power of community and giving."
Written in collaboration with Israel Public Health Association