Inches to Metric: Creating Mercaz Lavi – PTSD Center

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, they were at best temporary fixes. He felt strongly that in order for the treatments to be effective there was a need for longer residential stays where all participants shared the same form of trauma.

Simple and extremely complicated.

The concept was simple yet extremely complicated. Never to shy away from a challenge we said tell us more…and took a deep dive into trauma and PTSD education. The more we learned the more it strengthened our resolve to create a center, especially with Elie and Tova.

Key Points to PTSD:

• PTSD has multiple layers.

• PTSD is not something “one gets over” rather learns to live with.
• All serving in the military are expected to “tough it out” upon return to civilian life.
• Work/family life balance is extremely difficult to adjust to after being on the battlefield. This stress can trigger PTSD, leaving families shattered.
• If you are going in and out of reserve duty and start suffering from PTSD while commanding troops its impossible to admit you are suffering.
• Many who suffer with PTSD are incapable of reenlisting for reserve duty, disappointing themselves and their friends who continue to serve.
• The government historically has resisted properly addressing PTSD. This lack of recognition contributes to societal shame.

My hunch, the army was afraid there would be massive resistance to the draft and reserve duty if  PTSD was openly recognized. They underestimated the resolve of their own people. Not only did all who were called up go multiple times but many who were not called up did as well, some while suffering from PTSD.

PTSD is tricky.

You never know when or how it will appear. It happens most often after life settles down, off the battlefield. But not always. You can have an episode while serving. Never knowing what might trigger PTSD, it can happen immediately after serving or years later.

The side affects of PTSD are gruesome. Horrible nightmares, bedwetting, lack of motivation to work or function, hallucinations. To get a glimpse into the life of a person suffering from PTSD there is an excellent series When Heroes Fly on IZZY TV (App).

PTSD can be a death sentence.

When top combat heroes committed suicide these past two years, the government began paying attention. Soldiers are now encouraged to seek treatment. Private initiatives are springing up, offering getaway retreats for soldiers (a day or two) before rejoining their communities, hoping to hedge off PTSD.

Who will survive and who will succumb to PTSD? 

PTSD is completely unpredictable. Josh Boone, a Lone Soldier from Boise, Idaho who vouluntarily served over two years straight in the IDF as a sniper extraordinaire, was interviewed by our buddy Ari Kalker (click to see) Josh and Ari podcast. A month later Josh committed suicide.

Josh did not get a military burial on Har Herzl. He committed suicide after his final tour. Off duty. Such agony adds to the shame of those still fighting their demons. To read more on the topic Ari continues to advocate for Josh and others suffering from PTSD who commit suicide.

Step by Step…

We began looking into creating our facility; there were many roadblocks, so many roadblocks, sticky cobwebs and closed doors. Slowly we made progress. After October 7 restrictions regarding our center eased up. Israeli society was/is in deep trauma. People became more interested in our project. “The PTSD shame began to lift slightly.”

We seem to be gaining enthusiastic support.

It’s been quite the journey. We have a committed board, a talented staff which  specializes in PTSD and have been recognized by the Ministry of Health. We plan on using a combination of traditional, and experimental therapies, involving individuals, groups and families. Basically what ever is legal!

We leased a gorgeous property on Moshav Betzet, near Nahariya. Our site is filled with mature fruit bearing trees, chicken coop and farm to table garden. There are three buildings on the site; two stunning homes, and an enormous tool/maintenance area with attached shed/storage room.

Our staff is busy building a healing garden; tending the fields, installing drip irrigation, gazebo, green house, therapy circles, fire pit, and preparing the buildings for opening day.

Our site is a paradox of serenity, being so close to the Lebanon border. Realistically all locations pose challenges. Our staff ducks into bomb shelters when sirens blare, then return to tending the fields when safe to do so.

“Those who have a why to live can bear with almost any how”, Viktor Frankl. I highly recommend Man’s search for Meaning. We are witnessing how this “Why” (Mercaz Lavi), has already changed the lives of our entire staff who suffer from PTSD. It’s breathtaking. 

We’re on the cusp of opening. To be continued…To read more…Vision, Goals, and Therapeutic Protocol for Post-Trauma Survivors A