Nature Provides Much-Needed Healing for Bereaved Mothers
The Koby Mandell Foundation has recently launched a new hiking group for bereaved mothers who lost children on October 7th and during the Iron Swords War. The initiative aims to help mothers find comfort, connection and renewed strength through shared experiences by discovering and visiting Israel's natural landscapes.
A First Step Toward Healing
On a recent morning at the Hof HaSharon Nature Reserve near Shefayim, twelve mothers came together to embark on a unique journey of healing. Participating in the program's inaugural hike, they all expressed how much they had missed nature — the open air, the space and the quiet — during their mourning period.
They all said that walking alongside fellow women who truly understand their pain offered them a sense of belonging and the strength to move forward. The group plans to meet every two weeks for hikes across the country, each one offering a chance to breathe, reflect and find peace in nature and companionship of people like them who have experienced the worst.
"A Connection With What My Son Loved"
Dalia Azugi, mother of the late Yedidya Azugi a paratrooper from Battalion 101 who fell in battle in Jabaliya, described the experience. "The passion to hike came from a need to get out into nature and breathe, relax and connect with something my son loved so much which was exactly this, nature and hiking.
The combination of scenery, fresh air and being in a group created an instant bond that led to sharing and a sense that we really could understand one another. The professional and sensitive guidance made it an even more uplifting and healing experience."
"Nature Heals in Its Own Gentle Way"
Executive Director of The Koby Mandell Foundation, Eliana Mandell Braner, explained the inspiration behind the program: "Nature heals in its own gentle and simple way. Setting out on a trail, walking together and sharing conversation; these are all part of the healing process."
This group was born from the understanding that there is incredible power in connection — in bringing together women who share similar pain and helping them rediscover each other, and themselves, through nature."
Two Decades of Support and Community
For over 20 years, The Koby Mandell Foundation has provided warmth, community and emotional support to thousands of bereaved families throughout Israel.
Since the outbreak of the Iron Swords War, the Foundation has accompanied more than 2,500 families who have lost loved ones, offering support groups, emotional therapy, empowerment workshops and experiential activities designed to help ease the pain of loss and rebuild inner strength.
The Koby Mandell Foundation
Tchelet Mordechai 587
POB 367
Tekoa, 90908
Tel 058-648-3758
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