This summer in San Diego, nine female IDF soldiers stepped onto American soil carrying scars few could see and stories few could bear to tell. Two years ago, Jewmanity and Heads Up made a promise to bring those wounded by war to California for healing, especially those haunted by the invisible shadow of PTSD. In July, we welcomed a group unlike any before: eight women from Kissufim and one from Nahal Oz, military bases forever marked by the tragedy of October 7, 2023.

The Nightmare of October 7

October 7, 2023 is a day seared into the memory of Israel and the world. On that morning, these women stood watch at their posts, guarding their base, never imagining the horror Hamas would unleash. The assault was relentless: gunfire, explosions, lives torn apart. Some lost friends just hours before. Many hid for their lives, helpless to answer the cries echoing in the chaos. Their world shattered in an instant, leaving behind emotional wreckage and unanswered questions.

Female soldiers, field observers on base still in their pajamas on October 7, 2023 during the attack

Female soldier field observer on Kissufim base, October 7, 2023

Hamas bulldozers down the fence between the Gaza/Israel border and into the military base

Reunited in Compassion

For most, this week in San Diego was their first reunion since that dark day. They carried heavy burdens, grief, survivor's guilt, but found solace in each other's company. They were joined by Yossi Shtainmentz, a therapist devoted to IDF soldiers, and supported by coordinators Orit Biton and Rikki Gino, whose care made every day a little lighter.

Yossi Shtainmentz (therapist) , Orit Biton & Riki Gino (coordinators) and the girls

Upon arrival, their first request was simple but telling: a trip to the San Clemente outlets. It was a gentle act of reclaiming joy, choosing a moment of normalcy to start their healing journey. Of course, Shopping therapy is important also :)

A Sanctuary by the Sea

In Del Mar, the air itself seemed to whisper hope. Every day was filled with healing through yoga, breathwork, acupuncture, music movement, and art therapy. Each session was led by volunteers who gave freely of their time and their hearts to help these women find some peace.

Yoga with volunteer instructor Esti Diskind

Movement music therapy with volunteer instructor Maya Kanarek

Acupuncture with Volunteer Greg Lane

Breathwork with volunteer Kate Hohenstein

Local families prepared homemade lunches and opened their homes for dinners, showing these soldiers that caring strangers could become family.

Volunteer Toni Marie Gruniesen makes lunch

Volunteer Hosts Kat Green and Sydney Holland make healthy Poke bowls for the girls

Volunteers hosting smore’s and cocktails

Volunteer Youngleson family hosts a dinner for the girls

The Power of Surf Therapy

The ocean proved transformative. Surf therapy meant standing at the edge, boards in hand, hearts pounding as they faced the waves. The experience was daunting at first but with patient instructors the women paddled out, laughed, fell, stood again, and discovered a fleeting lightness. One soldier shared, "The experience of surf therapy was amazing. Working one on one, I felt a moment of disconnection with myself. The combination of surfing and the ocean, it was so much fun, meaningful, and enjoyable". A big thank you to Betty Kraug and her volunteers for putting together an unforgettable experience.

Betty Kraug and her volunteers help teach surfing

Moments of Joy and Reflection

Afternoons brought visits to SeaWorld, shopping at Sephora, equine therapy, and more family hosted dinners. Evenings shimmered with Pacific sunsets, Shabbat music, tequila toasts, and laughter spilling out from late night jacuzzi talks, moments when hearts were mended by simple joys.

Shopping therapy is a must

Volunteer Kat Green Host the girls with Equine therapy

Shabbat + Dancing= letting go

Transformation and Sisterhood

This retreat felt different from others. The feminine energy brought deep emotions to the surface. Tears flowed, but so did laughter. The women danced barefoot in the sand and held hands in remembrance of lost friends, survivors standing together as sisters.

By week's end, they did not just leave healed. They left changed. Not all scars fade, but hope had returned. They believed healing is possible, and their resilience inspired everyone involved.

Taking time to relax and enjoy pool time

A Ripple of Hope

For the volunteers and community, the soldiers' journey was just as moving. Witnessing their courage and seeing them step just out of the shadow is proof that human kindness, empathy, and connection are stronger than violence.

This retreat was not merely a week away from home. It was a reminder that hope can be reborn, even after the darkest of days.

Direct quotes from these brave women, especially on surf therapy, could add even more emotional power for future storytelling and make their triumphs and moments of joy feel deeply personal.

Heads up retreat # 3 “The Brave Girls”

heads up Retreat # 2 Golani Boys