Oded served from 1979 to 1982 and took part in one of the most famous battles in the First Lebanon War in 1982.
“Many of my friends were killed at the beginning of the battle, but despite that, we continued forward to capture Fort Beaufort and from there on into the city of Beirut. There was no time to go to funerals and it was impossible to digest the powerful emotions of all the events we went through. The hell that was there started to seep into me almost immediately when I was released from the army. Hellish scenes of war took over my nights and dreams, and invaded my days with various triggers. I tried to ignore it. I thought that I was strong and that if I moved forward with my life the pain and visions would disappear on their own. I was wrong.
About five years ago I finally decided to get treatment from the combat response unit and the Ministry of Defense.

The treatment is difficult and overwhelming but also gave me real tools that help. I decided to participate in this project in order to convey a message to young fighters who experienced combat, and need to know that it's never too late to take care of yourself. My daughter Gemma is currently living abroad and unfortunately could not participate in the photo shoot. Since my post-trauma mainly affects those closest to me, it was important for me to include my other daughter Tatum, who is currently serving as a soldier in the IDF.”

Photo: Alon Grego