Nir’s Story

In the middle of a quiet sheep pasture stands Nir Amitai, an officer from an elite unit, still serving in the reserves. He quietly tells his story: In 2016, he went for a beer in Tel Aviv with his best friend, Shimi, a casual outing that turned into a nightmare — a terror attack on Dizengoff Street.

Despite his friend’s desperate attempts to save him, Shimi died in Nir’s arms.

For years, Nir pushed forward. It wasn’t until unexplained pain gripped his heart — four years later — that he began to understand the depth of his trauma. Then, when a fellow soldier suffering from PTSD set himself on fire in a desperate plea for recognition, Nir knew he had to look deeper.

That realization led to Rimon Farms — a sanctuary for those battling PTSD, supported by UJA.

Here, healing happens through nature, through creation — working with wood, metal, and iron — and through holistic wellness practices like yoga, acupuncture, and meditation. The farm was established just six months before October 7. When crisis struck, Rimon Farms was ready.

Rimon Farms operates two essential programs: one focused on prevention — helping soldiers before PTSD takes hold — and another dedicated to those already in its grip.

Eli’s* Story

On the morning of October 7, as sirens wailed and terrorists roamed the streets, Eli called his partner in a nearby moshav. Her son had been shot. Without hesitation, he raced to them, calling for ambulances — doing everything in his power to save him.

But despite his efforts, the boy died.

From that day, Eli withdrew from the world, unable to speak, unable to return to the person he once was.

Until a month ago, when he, too, found his way to Rimon Farms.

Today, there is a spark in his eyes. After months of numbness, he looks forward to his days on the farm. Surrounded by nature, by people who understand his pain, his perspective is shifting.

For him, Rimon Farms is more than a place — it is a path back to himself.  

 _{*Name changed to protect privacy}