HAFTR uses art, therapy to bond with IDF

HAFTR eighth graders participated in a “Letters of Light” program facilitated by The 8 Project, founded by Tomer Peretz, a former IDF officer and ZAKA volunteer.

The 8 Project uses art as a pathway to healing, supporting former IDF soldiers as they navigate physical injuries and trauma after their service.

Through residencies, workshops, exhibitions, and community programs, the organization empowers survivors, soldiers and artists to transform pain into creativity and connection.

For this project, HAFTR students were guided in a hands-on workshop, painting and decorating repurposed military uniforms with messages and images of strength, gratitude, emunah, Israel and hope. As they worked on each piece, students understood that these were tangible expressions of both hakarat hatov and solidarity.

This experience gave students the opportunity to personally contribute, transforming feelings of care and tefillah into action. It helped them feel closer to the chayalim who have remained at the forefront of their hearts and prayers over the past two years. Through creativity and compassion, the students were able to bridge the distance with dignity.

HAFTR Middle School has consistently stepped forward through davening, creating, organizing and acting on behalf of Am Yisrael.