Israeli female soldiers healing in Australia

Brothers for Life (BFL) was formed in 2007 as a non-profit by wounded Israeli veterans after the Second Lebanon War. Its mission is to provide immediate, personalised support to wounded combat soldiers. It receives no direct government funding and relies on donor support.

BFL provides hospital visits by mentors as well as personalised support after discharge, tailored to life circumstances. BFL’s core activities include social events, sports and hobby groups, complex medical support and mental and physical health services. Their goal is to restore self-confidence, treat physical and psychological injuries, and help veterans regain control of their lives. Members also receive help with financial planning, education and job placement.

Prior to October 7, 2023, its membership included around 1200 wounded veterans, but today its numbers have increased to over 3000, with a waitlist of over 1600. Since 2018 it has welcomed female combat soldiers and today has 49 women – around 18 per cent of all combat soldiers in Israel are female.

For the first time in BFL’s history, injured female combat soldiers came to Australia as part of a healing delegation. Their group leader Yael remarked, “This journey here in Melbourne is the first of its kind, first only-women delegation, and it has been truly life changing. We’re so grateful to our host families here in Melbourne for making us feel part of their family, part of their home.”

During their stay in Melbourne, the women enjoyed puppy yoga, a MasterChef challenge at C Care, a visit to schools, and day trips to Mornington Peninsula hot springs and winery, surfing and Phillip Island.