Standing: Nadav Abutbul, left, and Aviram Biton. Seated: Shabi Dvir, left, Nadav Wiersch and Kobi Itzhaki. Credit: Nir Keidar Roaring crowds and exploding fireworks can make soccer matches unbearable for veterans with PTSD. A new initiative is helping them return to the game they love12:06 PM • August 31 2026 IDTShabi Dvir waits all week for Thursday, the day he leaves his home to play soccer with Nadav, Aviram, Amit and the rest of the gang. Their weekly get-togethers at a small field in Tel Aviv suburb Ramat Gan revolve solely around soccer, whether in conversation on a bench or on the turf itself. Dvir was recently appointed captain. In the NewsIDF Soldiers Guard West Bank Settler Raid, Shoot Four Palestinians, Reports SayFor Israeli Vets With PTSD, Soccer Is a Friendly Game AgainWeeks Into West Bank Siege, Police Seek Warrants for Settlers Involved in AttackGOP Jews Bash Democrats at Vegas, but Worry About Their Party's Israel DriftSay It Loud and Clear: Israel's Arab Citizens Are Worthy PartnersRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIHasan Piker Talks Hamas, anti-Zionism and Why Americans Are Fed Up With Israel'Israel Is Sending Militias to Commit War Crimes – and I Have to Protect Them'Israeli Court Acquits Man of Assaulting Nun in Jerusalem's Old CityPoll: Likud Sinks to 19 Seats as New Right-wing Party Falls Below ThresholdJewish Space Lasers? Israel Wants 'Rods From God'Ben-Gvir's Ambush Shook Netanyahu – and Unleashed a War for Right-wing Votes