Our Volunteer's Voices (Pt.1)

At Chayal’s Angels, our work is made possible by the people who choose to show up.

Volunteers from around the world, each with their own background, story, and skillset, come together with one shared mission: providing healing relief to IDF soldiers through the use of holistic treatments easing the impact of Mind, Body and Soul traumas both in and out of the field.

This series is a glimpse into those people.

Through their own words, our volunteers share what brought them here, what they’ve experienced on the ground, and what it means to be part of this work.

To kick us off, we would love to introduce Dr. Steve:

My name is Dr. Steve Trauben. I have been a practicing Doctor of Chiropractic for over 30 years. I recently retired from practice and am on my next journey in life. On that journey was a desire to give back. I was lucky enough to find out about Chayals Angels. I learned about them from another alternative heath practioner from the States that said wonderful things about this group of volunteers.

I learned that Chayals Angels is the brainchild from Tasha Cohen who say a need after October 7th and got in her car and did something. Boy did she do something. Since the time that I had the good fortune to be with them I have been lucky enough to come back to Israel multiple times, since October 7th to help to treat soldiers.

I have treated approximately 700 soldiers so far and looking forward to my next trip back to I can help even more. The feeling of giving and directly helping these soldiers is addictive I must say. I feel very fortunate to have a skill that the soldiers are usually waiting in line to be treated by me, a chiropractor. Chiropractic, massage therapy, cupping and other things are so needed by the soldiers.

They have aches and pains and sleep in awful beds if even sleeping in a bed and carry 60-70lbs backpacks on their backs.

Of the many soldiers I have treated one story sticks out to me that I wanted to share. When I had my practice I would do ergonomic assessments of my patients desks and cars as people drive to work many hours a week.

Well this big guy came over to me and I thought how am I going to adjust this guy. I asked him what he does in the IDF and he told me he drives a tank. Not only that but he frequently needs to sleep in the tank as well and it is not very comfortable for him. I couldn't even imagine. I asked him if we could go to his tank and show me what he was talking about.

We walked over to his tank we climbed on top together and he showed me his small compartment where he drives and sleeps. My first time on top of a tank and inside a tank. It was hard to imagine what the soldiers go through and what they do day in and day out protecting Israel and the jewish people.

Well I made some recommendations how he could fix his seat and how to better position himself to sleep in this small space. I never thought i would do an ergonomic assessment in a tank. These soldiers are doing more than their part by constantly serving and showing up day after day and month after month. I feel it is the least I could do to show up and help in my way as well.

I have heard stories during the Six Day War where American Jews just got on a plane and joined the IDF or helped out on bases and I feel I am doing that in the best way I can help as well. Thank you Chayals Angels for giving me this opportunity to help and serve. I truly feel blessed to be able to do my part and help.

Thank you Chayals Angels!

Dr. Steve Trauben

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Stories like these are what make Chayal’s Angels what it is.

If you feel inspired to get involved, or know someone who would be a meaningful addition to this work, we invite you to connect with us.

Thank you Dr. Steve for being such an important part of our mission! And as always thank you to all our incredible volunteers who have given so much to help our soldiers!