Our mission was created for mental health professionals with a deep connection to Israel and a profound empathy for the suffering the nation has endured since the October 7 attacks. Its purpose was to learn how pioneering therapists, trauma centers, and grassroots organizations are responding to the ongoing waves of terror and conflict that Israelis face, and to explore how we, as North American clinicians, could offer meaningful support.

This immersive and deeply purposeful journey was offered under the stewardship of the American Jewish Medical Association (AJMA) and lovingly envisioned by Dr. Ilene Serlin, z”l. Her unexpected passing was a profound loss to all who knew and loved her. In her memory, we committed ourselves to bringing her vision to life—remaining as faithful as possible to her original intentions.

Yet the course of the mission changed in ways we could not have anticipated. Seven of us had already arrived in Israel a few days before the mission was to begin on June 17. On June 13, Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran and closed its airspace. Faced with this sudden and serious escalation, we made a difficult decision. Inspired by the extraordinary courage of those already on the ground, the unwavering support of those unable to join us, and Ilene’s enduring vision, we chose to move forward. With the help of Makor, our indefatigable Israeli travel partner, we adapted our plans as needed, remaining rooted in shared purpose and solidarity.

Though the itinerary required modification, the spirit of the mission grew only stronger. While many around us were scrambling to leave the country, our group unanimously affirmed that there was no place we would rather be. We felt profoundly grateful to stand with Israel in its time of crisis and need. Each day was filled with meaningful encounters and extraordinary speakers—many of whom met with us in person despite the uncertainty and risk. Others joined via Zoom, offering their wisdom and innovative approaches to trauma care. While we couldn’t visit trauma centers across Israel as originally planned, the learning came to us—creating moments of deep connection, insight, and growth. In fact, we received even more meaningful lessons than we might have otherwise encountered—about how Israelis, and how we ourselves, cope with life under existential threat, and care for one another in its midst.

We spent considerable time together in the hotel’s safe room, huddled not only with one another but also with Israelis and international visitors. These tense and surreal moments were unforgettable. And they offered something more: the opportunity to reflect, to process collectively, and to find meaning amidst the disorientation of conflict.