Innovative Life-Changing Israeli Initiative Aims to Connect IDF Veterans with PTSD to Rehabilitation Programs
Invisible Album, an ambitious project co-founded by former IDF Combat Navy Officers Shani Sofer and Ohav Givaty, is transforming the way Israeli combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) connect to rehabilitation processes. Using the universal language of music and a digital platform, the project aims to break down bureaucratic barriers and make life-changing assistance more accessible.
“Our mission is deeply personal,” Shani Sofer shared. She comes from a bereaved family due to a terrorist attack, and this personal tragedy, along with the knowledge of close friends grappling with PTSD, fuels her commitment to this cause. “We understand the silent battles these veterans are fighting. Through Invisible Album, we aim to explore the hardships faced by thousands of veterans in Israel and provide meaningful support,” said Sofer.
At the heart of Invisible Album is a unique musical album that tells the story of a soldier coping with PTSD over several years. The five video clips guide viewers to an online interface that presents a range of accessible treatment options for PTSD, assisting not only the veterans but also their families and spouses.
“We chose music as our medium because of its power to stimulate open discourse around PTSD, create strong identification with the story, and motivate action,” Ohav Givaty stated. “By harnessing the emotional resonance of music, we encourage veterans to register for rehabilitation programs and embark on their journey towards healing and recovery.”
The project has already made a significant impact. In just the first months of activity, the project attracted thousands of site visits, dozens of registrations for rehabilitation programs, and over 5 million views on the music videos.
“The profound challenge with post-trauma lies in its ‘invisible’ nature,” elucidates Nachum Lamour Fridman (39), hailing from Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael. “Unlike physical wounds that are visible and tangible, post-trauma is an internal struggle, hidden from the outside world. This invisibility often makes it difficult for others to comprehend the depth of its impact.”
Diving deeper into the transformative power of Invisible Album, Lamour Fridman elaborates, “Invisible Album transcends the realm of the unseen, giving voice and shape to our internal battles. Through music, it manifests the invisible, making our struggles palpable and understood. For many of us, this project has been a lifeline, creating an environment that not only recognizes our pain but also provides access to the much-needed support for recovery.”
Invisible Album has ambitious goals for its first year of operation, aiming to refer 2,500 veterans to rehabilitation processes and raise awareness among Israelis to the project’s content, thereby creating an open and courageous discourse around military post-trauma.
Invisible Album is also focused on enhancing and upgrading the platform over time, incorporating self-diagnosis questionnaires and automatic recommendations for appropriate rehabilitation processes. This ensures the digital platform remains effective and responsive to the needs of veterans seeking help.
On June 8, 2023, Invisible Album will host a benefit event at the IDB Manhattan Headquarters in New York. The emcee will be Yuval David, Emmy Award winning Actor, Host, Filmmaker, and Activist. The event aims to raise awareness and funds to continue the important work being done by the project, fostering an open dialogue about PTSD among IDF veterans and highlighting the role of music in recovery.
RSVP at https://bit.ly/3W8NwIe
For more information about the project, visit InvisibleAlbum.com/english.
