Fundraiser for William Zev Shakin ZL
William Zev Shakin ZL graduated with a double degree (in Business and History) and a minor (in Classics), receiving a Bachelors in Arts and a Bachelors in Science. Following the events of Oct. 7, he left the U.S. to serve as a lone soldier in the IDF's Golani Brigade at the rank of Sargent. He was laid to rest on Aug. 12, 2026, honored for his service to Israel and the Jewish people.
After witnessing the suffering of comrades in Gaza and Lebanon, he returned to the U.S. and enrolled in the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. His goal was help others cope with trauma. This fundraising effort is inspired by Will’s goal. Funds raised will support trauma informed training for professionals, and services through the Jerusalem Therapy Center for lone soldiers. This fundraising effort has been approved by the Shakin family.
Remembered as a "bright light and gentle soul" and a "gentle giant," William's legacy motivates continuing his mission to aid those affected by war, emphasizing the importance of support for soldiers' mental health.
Potential Impact of Your Gift
Gifts made in William’s memory can help advance his vision of ensuring that those who have experienced the trauma of war have access to compassionate, specialized care and to the professionals trained to provide it. The specific efforts will be focused on Lone Soldiers (Ḥayal Boded)
Lone Soldiers are soldiers in the Israeli Defense Forces who serves without family in Israel to support them. These lone soldiers may be new immigrants, people from the diaspora who leave home to serve, and those raised in Israel who for one reason or another do not have family to support them.
Depending on the level of support raised, gifts may help make possible one or more of the following opportunities:
Support the William Zev Shakin ZL “My Lone Soldier” Fellows at the Jerusalem Therapy Center
Provide scholarships for fellows participating in the Jerusalem Therapy Center’s trauma fellowship program. Fellows are MSW graduates who are advancing their clinical training through the JTC, receiving individual and group supervision and specialized training in trauma-focused interventions, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), treatment of sleep disorders (e.g. cognitive-behavior therapy for insomnia (CBT-I)), and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP). Fellows see at least six clients each week and currently pay NIS 18,000 per year for the fellowship.
The goal of the program is for Fellows to serve Lone Soldier clients weekly, including visits as needed to places like "Bayit shel Benji" or other places Lone Soldiers may reside.
- The fellow should refer to YU Social Worker students for Lone Soldiers in need of Language education (English, Hebrew), while integrating AI platforms to assist in translation.
- The fellow can refer released Lone Soldiers to YU Social Workers to assist and advise in obtaining health insurance, employment and further benefits upon leaving the IDF.
Philanthropic support can help defray the cost of the fellowship and allow more professionals to receive advanced trauma training. Fellows supported through this fund would be known as William Zev Shakin ZL “My Lone Soldier” Fellows, creating a lasting connection between William’s legacy and the professionals dedicated to helping others heal from trauma.
This year, the Jerusalem Therapy Center is expanding its reach with the opening of a second office in Ramat Gan.
Expand Mental Health Services for Lone Soldiers
Funding can also support the Jerusalem Therapy Center’s efforts to expand its outreach, marketing, and mental health services to lone soldiers. Current therapy services can be expanded to include formal support groups, as well as technology-mediated services such as Zoom, making support accessible to lone soldiers in Israel and, where appropriate, to those in the United States.
Establish the William Zev Shakin ZL Scholarship at Wurzweiler
A dedicated William Zev Shakin ZL Scholarship could provide financial support to IDF veterans who wish to pursue a Master of Social Work degree at the Wurzweiler School of Social Work. The scholarship would help prepare veterans to build careers dedicated to supporting individuals and communities affected by trauma, conflict, and loss.
Support MSW Students Serving Lone Soldiers in the United States
A scholarship fund could also support Wurzweiler MSW students who are working with lone soldiers and veterans in the United States through organizations such as Nevut, Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, Friends of the Lone Soldier, and Nefesh B’Nefesh. This support would help expand access to trained social workers serving those who have experienced the unique challenges associated with military service and living far from home.
Through these opportunities, William’s memory can help create a legacy of education, healing, and support for soldiers and veterans affected by trauma.