Finding His Way Back: Nathanel's Journey from Service to Healing

Earlier this year, Nethanel, a career officer in the IDF and a graduate of our Brothers in Yoga trauma-informed program, ״Life's Journey" stood before a room of fellow commanders and did something he never imagined he could: he shared his personal story of living with PTSD.

It was the first time he spoke publicly — while still in uniform — about the invisible wounds he carried. The fears, the shame, the weight of being responsible and human at the same time. But instead of judgment, he was met with silence, listening, and heartfelt appreciation. He saw something change in the room that day — and something shifted within him, too.

Nathanel began his yoga-healing journey 8 months ago when he joined Brothers in Yoga. Like many of our participants, he was skeptical at first. Yoga didn’t exactly fit the image of what a combat officer turns to for support. But as he learned to breathe differently, move intentionally, and recognize the signals of his own nervous system, something began to soften. He discovered new tools — for calming his body, releasing stored tension, and staying grounded even in the intensity of military life.

But perhaps even more powerful than the practices themselves was the community he found.For the first time, he met other men who had walked similar paths — who carried their own grief, rage, and confusion — and were learning to hold it with compassion, without shame.Being seen without judgment gave Nathanel something he didn’t expect:

a sense of belonging.

And something else opened up — a new sense of purpose.

Today, Nathanel is not only speaking to other officers and helping reshape the culture around trauma in the military — he’s also preparing to train as a yoga teacher himself.He wants to offer others the very tools that helped him find his way back home to himself.

We believe in these journeys. We believe in these men.And we believe healing is contagious.

Thank you for standing with us as we build spaces of resilience, dignity, and connection for those who’ve served.

With gratitude, The Brothers in Yoga Team