Soldier Finds Solace in Art After Combat Trauma and Loss

Art has become a vital coping mechanism for Elkana Levy, an artillery corps reservist, who has documented his wartime experiences through drawings and photography. In a candid interview on the "Zman Omanuteynu" (Our Artistic Time) program, Levy shared how his artistic endeavors helped him process the trauma of combat, including the death of a fellow soldier, Sa'ar Neversky, during a rocket attack on Mount Hermon. Levy described how, in the immediate aftermath of the attack, he found solace by photographing objects of a sky-blue color, a series he titled "Pieces from Heaven," which helped him dismantle the horror and cope.

Levy, who recently completed studies in art therapy, explained that his connection to art deepened after leaving yeshiva, serving as a lifeline during difficult moments. He recounted experiencing his first panic attack during his reserve duty near the Syrian and Lebanese borders, finding "ten minutes of redemption and complete detachment from the threatening reality" through sketching in his journal. His journal entries starkly contrast images of shells and holiday preparations with observations of anti-draft slogans seen in Haredi neighborhoods, highlighting a cultural clash he struggles to comprehend but seeks to understand.

During the interview, Levy expressed a desire for greater understanding and dialogue between the secular and Haredi communities, particularly regarding the sacrifices made by reservists. He recalled wanting to tell passengers on a Haredi bus before Rosh Hashanah that he would not be home for the holiday due to his service. The interviewer, Moshe Mans, acknowledged the complexity of the issue, attributing it to deep political matters rather than a lack of empathy, stating that "if someone is in trouble, the Haredim will run to help."

Levy advocates for using creative expression, whether through painting, writing, or photography, as a tool for overcoming crises and trauma. He believes art helps individuals move beyond their pain into a constructive space, facilitating introspection and a search for faith and security beyond the material world. The interview concluded with hopes that artistic and human dialogue can build bridges between different societal groups.