A therapeutic project for armored soldiers – "Or Ki Yahel" – in memory of the late Yahli Gazit

(haipo) Mia Gazit, a clinical psychologist, lost her son Yahli Gazit, an officer in the 188th Armored Corps Brigade, who was killed in Gaza in December 2023. Out of her personal loss, Mia established a large-scale therapeutic project for armored soldiers, which aims to provide psychological support to soldiers dealing with the consequences of the fighting. The project, called "Light that shines", based on Yahli's spirit and a song he wrote and composed.

Yahli's death in Gaza and the decision to commemorate him through educational activities

Yahli Gazit killed in battle in Gaza

Yahli Gazit, 24, an officer in the Armored Brigade, was killed by an anti-tank missile during fighting in Gaza. He was supposed to be discharged the day before he was killed, after serving in the regular army. Yahli was known as a supporter of his soldiers, saw them at eye level, and was loved by his comrades. His death left his family in deep mourning, but also with a sense of mission. His mother, Mia, says that after the oath, it was clear to her that she had to do something significant for his son.

Yahli had a band called "Raesh Lavan," which managed to release one album. During the shiva, his brother Ido decided to take over the management of the band and continue his musical path. Yahli's music, and especially the song "Oud Tegiye Ahava," became a focus of inspiration for the therapeutic project that Mia founded, out of faith in the power of love, connection, and hope.

Establishing the treatment project – every soldier needs free treatment

A therapeutic project for armored soldiers in collaboration with the Barak Association – 188th Brigade

In February 2024, Mia, in collaboration with the Barak Association, began operating a treatment project for armored soldiers. The project provides mental health treatment to regular soldiers, with 760 soldiers treated so far. Over 750 therapists have volunteered to provide treatment free of charge, most of them in the soldiers' living areas. Mia herself manages the project, talks with each soldier, and ensures that the treatment is tailored to his needs.

on Tuesday, 04/11/2025, A conference called "Love Will Come Again" was held in Tel Aviv, named after the song written by Yahli. The song, whose lyrics were written and composed by Yahli and his friends, conveys a message of hope out of distress. Mia explains that the project is based on the belief in the power of love, love for oneself, for others, and for the world, as a therapeutic tool that helps soldiers cope with the mental difficulties that arise as a result of the fighting.

Increase in the number of requests for mental health treatment for soldiers

Noticeable increase in the number of inquiries from soldiers

Mia notes that in recent weeks there has been a significant increase in the number of requests from soldiers. According to her, the most difficult period is actually the waiting, when soldiers are passive and waiting for action. Returning to routine after fighting is also not easy and is sometimes even more difficult than the fighting itself. Regular soldiers, in particular, need ongoing mental health care, but do not receive a sufficient response within the military.

One of the main problems that Maya points out is the lack of response to soldiers in mental distress, which does not stem directly from combat. Soldiers who are dealing with marital separation, anxiety or depression, do not receive adequate treatment within the military. The project is intended to bridge this gap and provide professional, accessible and free treatment.

Fundraising to expand the project

Mia is currently working to raise funds to expand the project, with the goal of providing free mental health care to every soldier who needs it, not only after the war, but also in everyday life. She emphasizes the importance of accessible care, especially for young people who are at a critical stage in their lives.

The project operates in collaboration with the Barak Association and the association's chairman, Roy Shaposhnik, whom Mia describes as a "dream come truer." The association mainly supports the logistical aspects of the project, and assists in its operation with the caregivers and soldiers. The association's support allows the project to operate on a large scale and reach hundreds of soldiers.

The family dealing with loss and continuity

Mia is the mother of two sons, the late Yahli and Ido, who was a company commander in Nahal when Yahli was killed. Ido received the news of his brother's death while he was in Gaza, and since then has done hundreds of days of reserve duty, but has not entered Gaza. The family is coping with the loss while continuing to work, with each of them contributing in their own way to commemorate Yahli and support the soldiers.

The song "Love Will Come Again," written by Yahli and performed by his band, has become a symbol of the project. Mia explains that the song expresses the project's central message, that in the face of evil and destruction, one must maintain hope, a connection to the forces of life, and love in its broadest sense. The song accompanies the soldiers during treatment, and is a source of inspiration for many.

Call for donations to expand activities

As part of efforts to expand the activity, Mia is appealing to the public to donate to the project. Donations make it possible to provide free mental health care to soldiers, expand the circle of therapists, and continue the important activity. She emphasizes that every donation helps soldiers cope with the consequences of the fighting and return to normal.

A personal message – from pain to growth

Maya Gazit, who grew up in Haifa and now lives in Misgav, brings her personal story and her private pain to a large-scale public activism. She believes that from loss it is possible to grow, and that every soldier who receives treatment is part of the commemoration of Yahli. The project is a testament to the power of love, connection and hope, even in the most difficult moments.

For donations, visit the link: "Light that shines"