Our Community Welcomes Chameleon First Response Team

In an inspiring act of unity, our community recently opened its doors to an extraordinary group of Israel’s elite soldiers—members of Chameleon First Response (CFR).

These brave combat veterans, led by Sean, Daniel, Amos, and Or, are in the United States on a very important mission: to heal and support their fellow soldiers while spreading awareness about the challenges they face.

The connection to our community began in April when Joey Antar and his friends met these soldiers during a trip to Israel organized by Shaare Zion. The bond they formed during that visit has remained strong, with Joey and his group staying in touch with the soldiers. When the CFR team needed a place to stay, Habayit welcomed them with open arms. They enjoyed a beautiful Friday night meal at the home of David and Adele Khaski, offering a warm, supportive environment for these warriors and showcasing the strength of our community’s solidarity.

On October 7th, life changed for thousands of soldiers and their comrades. Thrust into life-or-death situations, they continue to serve, often carrying the heavy burden of sleepless nights, sudden anger, and the invisible wounds of war. As one soldier shared, “I left home as one person and returned two weeks later as a changed individual. Normal life felt distant. Sleep was elusive, anger flared without cause.”

Chameleon First Response (CFR) is not just an organization—it’s a lifeline dedicated to supporting Israel’s elite combat defenders. Their mission is clear: to help heal the wounded souls of their fellow soldiers, many of whom are battling severe PTSD both during and after their service. “Talking to my fellow fighters, I realized we were all struggling with the same thing. Some lashed out in rage, lost jobs, divorced, or even took their own lives,” one soldier explained. “I made it my mission to help shed light on their struggles and provide a community of help and support. So that none of us will ever feel alone.”

CFR is now working to create a *Center for Healing- Bright Horizons* a sanctuary where soldiers can receive recurring resources they need to process their combat experiences and prevent PTSD from overwhelming them. This center will provide a peaceful retreat, using nature therapy and open-space activities to promote mental resilience and healing. “We are creating a New Center for Healing,” CFR leaders shared. “It will be a place where wounded soldiers can find solace and recovery, where we will harness the power of nature to support their mental and emotional well-being.”

The creation of the Center for Healing cannot happen without your help. While the vision is clear, the resources to bring it to life are still lacking. Significant funding is desperately needed to ensure this sanctuary becomes a reality. Every contribution, large or small, brings us closer to offering Israel’s elite combat veterans the support and healing they deserve. Without your help, too many soldiers will continue to face their struggles alone.

Your donation can be the difference between isolation and recovery for these brave men and women. Please consider donating today to make this life-saving project a reality.

In a significant move to raise awareness for their vital cause, CFR has also been invited to speak on the Dr. Phil show. This opportunity will allow them to share their experiences and the importance of supporting soldiers grappling with the psychological impacts of combat, bringing much-needed attention to their mission.

Together, as a community, we can support these heroes and help make a profound difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed so much for our safety and freedom.

If you would like to donate to this important cause, please visit: https://my.givingtech.org/en/fundme/brighthorizon

For more information, visit: https://chameleons.org.il/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/cbh.pdf