About
Our story
The Tzav-7 Association was established out of a deep sense of mission to change reality. When Avraham Yedid, a disabled IDF veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder, and David Schwartzstein, a Zionist who loves Israel and an Australian citizen, the founders of the association, found themselves without an Order-8, they chose to respond to another order – an order of giving, unity, and meaning. From the first week of the war, and every day since, the association has been working non-stop for the security forces fighters who are on the front lines of the struggle – both on the battlefield and in the physical and mental struggle that continues afterward.
Tzav-7 began its journey by distributing equipment and food to soldiers, visiting the wounded, subsidizing expensive medical equipment, and even providing unforgettable human moments, such as family reunification in times of crisis. Over time, we realized that the real war does not end on the ground – it continues in the hearts and lives of those who have been injured in body and mind. Today, we focus on accompanying the mentally injured, on creating intimate support communities that accompany those who are struggling throughout their lives, and on building a supportive and meaningful environment for their families and children as well.
Vision and values
The Tzav-7 Association strives to lead, promote and strengthen communities of resilience, society and personal development for reservists and security forces, with an emphasis on crisis situations. We work in collaboration with local authorities, government ministries, the IDF, the Israel Police, the Prison Service (IPS), the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Social Affairs, National Insurance, as well as with other associations and organizations working to strengthen personal and community resilience. Together, we are committed to creating long-term change and providing comprehensive support to security forces personnel.
Strengthening mental resilience
Providing professional and personal support to security forces personnel who experienced a crisis or trauma during their service.
Supporting communities
Establishing national social communities led by professionals and survivors who have recovered from post-trauma.
Rehabilitation & creation of meaning
Re-integrating participants into their lives with tools, life skills, and personal guidance to create new opportunities.
The Tzav-7 Association was established in the first week of the Iron Swords War and has been working every day since to strengthen the reserve servicemen and security forces. The association’s activities include:
Providing support and legal advice to security forces personnel who experienced a crisis or trauma during their service.
Community groups support security forces personnel who have experienced crises.
Collaborations in convention areas.
Personal support in exercising civil and legal rights.
The staff
The association was founded by Avraham Yedid, a Border Guard soldier and disabled IDF soldier, who was not drafted in Order 8 due to his medical condition, and David Schwarzstein, a resident of Australia and a Zionist who loves Israel, who enlisted wholeheartedly for the mission.
Avraham Yedid - Founder and CEO
A former Border Guard soldier and disabled IDF soldier, who turned coping with post-trauma into a journey of action and meaning. Understanding that no one has to go through this alone, I founded the Tzav-7 Association, which provides support, guidance, and community to post-traumatic security forces personnel. The association works to raise awareness and create social change through group meetings, experiential activities, support visits, collaborations with government agencies, and legislative initiatives. Alongside this, I engage in inspirational lectures, create visual content, and write the book "Choosing Meaning," which tells the story of my coping and the way I found to turn personal pain into an engine of action. My vision is to turn every difficulty into an opportunity, and build a bridge between a painful past and a hopeful future.
David Schwartzstein - Founder and Chairman of the Association
A social activist, committed to support and change for post-trauma victims from among the security forces. Based on personal experiences and recognizing the need for a broad response, he took a central role in establishing the association, which works to create a supportive community, professional guidance and experiential activities that help fighters return to a meaningful life path. With over 35 years of experience in business development, operations and support services for vulnerable populations – both young and old – in the fields of disability and care for senior citizens. After the events of October 7, I immigrated to Israel out of a sense of mission, and mobilized with all my might to support the organization's activities, alongside the CEO of Tzav-7, Avraham Yedid, the operations team, and volunteers. Together, we provide a broad embrace to post-traumatic warriors, with direct, social, and community support. The organization, with my support, is expanding its activities in a variety of areas: group meetings, support visits, collaborations with authorities, and policy change initiatives. I believe in the power of community, in shared healing processes, and in the ability to transform personal pain into a path of giving and growth. Why am I part of Tzav-7? October 7 was a turning point for me. After participating in group meetings where our heroes receive support and a genuine embrace, I experienced a moment of rebirth and embarked on a profound personal journey, which requires me to dedicate my utmost efforts to giving others the hope and strength to move forward.
Yifat Bracha
Personal development mentor, workshop facilitator, author of the book "Opening Eyes - A Personal Journey to Discover Inner Wisdom" and founder of 'Tnufa' - the space for business and personal development. My work The moving experiences of loss and bereavement that I experienced at a young age led me to embark on an inner journey of self-discovery and connection to my calling. After years of acquiring diverse tools, I accompany people through life processes, helping them connect within and live with joy and ease. Since 2012, I have been leading the 'Tnufa' business community, which provides practical tools and an incubator for women with independent businesses in a variety of fields. My vision I believe that each and every one of us can live a life full of meaning, joy and abundance. https://yifatbracha.co.il https://tnufa.community Why do I volunteer at the Tzav-7 Association? In days when the reality in Israel is changing before our eyes, personal and community resilience becomes more critical than ever. I believe with all my heart that giving, supporting, and extending a hand to those who protect us is not only a right – but a moral obligation. The work of the Tzav-7 Association touches on exactly this point – it allows us to strengthen the fighters of the security forces, reservists, and families who are on the front lines, not only on the battlefield but also in the emotional and mental struggles that follow. As someone who deals with personal empowerment and development processes, I see how important it is to recognize those who give their lives for the country, and how essential it is to wrap them in a network of support, listening, and tools for coping. Volunteering with the association allows me to take part in a larger mission – to build a community of resilience, unity, and meaning, and to ensure that no one is left alone.
Roni Gabriel Sadeh -VP, Strategic Organizational Consultant and Head of Collaborations
Engaged in creating meaningful connections, developing innovative strategies, and helping to advance the goals of the association, with faith in the power of a strong and supportive community. At the same time, the owner of "In a Few Words" - an office for strategy, content creation, and training, and the developer of the marketing method through creating interest. With extensive experience in the fields of advertising, speaking, guidance, and outreach, I work to combine creative thinking with significant social action. A bachelor's degree in advertising and marketing communications, a graduate of political speaking, guidance, personal training, and military command courses. In the past, I served as an officer in the IDF, commanded hundreds of soldiers, and served as a team commander in an officer course. Roni's vision is to turn ideas into reality, and create a long-term impact through strategic collaborations, inspiring content, and real social action.
Nitzan Nahari - Mentor and Advisor to the Ministry of Defense
A highly experienced lecturer and mentor who has held senior positions in the Prime Minister's Office. In his work, he focuses on personal development, strategy, and decision-making under pressure. As part of his involvement with the Tzav-7 Association, Nitzan contributes his rich experience in guidance and support, and provides practical tools for dealing with post-traumatic challenges. His experience in the field of security and strategy, combined with his approach as a mentor, constitute significant added value to the association and its participants. Nitzan believes in the power of personal support and the ability to provide each person with the tools for personal empowerment and finding new meaning within the challenges.
Avi Har-Tov, a professional consultant with integrity
An experienced therapist and counselor, with a master's degree in clinical social work from Washington University in St. Louis, USA. He specializes in psychotherapy and mental rehabilitation, and runs a private clinic in Jerusalem. In addition, he leads workshops for men and writes the blog "Namal Mivtachim", which deals with introspection and social correction. As part of his activities at the Tzav-7 Association, Avi provides professional counseling and accompanied the pilot group at Ofakim, which provided post-traumatic warriors with a supportive and inclusive space. His extensive experience, also acquired as part of his studies and work abroad, has contributed greatly to the formulation of therapeutic methodologies that allow people to find meaning and reintegrate into life. Avi believes in the power of community and the combination of professional guidance and personal support, as a basis for healing and growth.
Anat Paz
A clinical social worker, psychotherapist and therapist instructor. A mental health officer in the IDF for two decades in a variety of roles and units. Currently owns a private clinic in Gedera and is also a clinical consultant in the defense system. Has extensive experience treating adults and young people on issues of anxiety, depression, self-image, treatment of crisis situations, loss and bereavement, and post-trauma.
Barak Pima
Mentor, consultant responsible for human resources and non-profit organizations Married to Mor and father to Idan, Agam and Keshet. Holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and a bachelor's degree in management and political science and international relations from the Open University. Master's degree in family studies: individual counseling for families from the Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College. Student for a master's degree in business administration from the Open University. Engaged in the management and development of community services, executive support and team training. Certified in group facilitation from Gisht College, mediation from "Gavim" and personal coaching from "Yozmot" and has extensive experience in management, group facilitation and personal counseling. Manager of community services at the Alu"t non-profit organization. A sentence I agree with: "There is no limit to the maximum."
Since its establishment, the association has assisted more than 50,000 security forces personnel directly and indirectly, recruited over 100 volunteers and distributed approximately 700 certificates of appreciation to the wounded in hospitals.
Support and partnerships
The Tzav-7 Association works in collaboration with local authorities, community organizations, businesses and the general public – all coming together to strengthen the warriors and reservists, while placing their personal resilience at the top of the list of priorities.
The Tzav-7 Association is much more than just a practical organization – it is a community that embraces, supports and gives real hope to those who fight for all of us.
