Noya Nakler’s partner, Master Sergeant (res.) Roi Avraham Maimon z”l, fell in the line of duty just before he planned to propose. A year later, she’s building a support center for those coping with grief and loss, and working as a youth coach with the “Halutz – Education Through Sports” initiative.
“From Deep Crisis Comes Light and a Way Forward”
Just over a year ago, Noya Nakler’s life changed forever: her partner Roi was killed during his military service. Only later did she learn that just days before his death, he had planned to propose. “We were supposed to go on our big post-army trip,” Nakler shares. “And after he died, I decided not to stop—I took that trip, with him and without him.”
During six months of travel and deep reflection, Nakler connected with spirituality and began forming a new vision for her life: to establish a therapeutic center for those who have lost loved ones—bereaved parents, widows, orphans, and close friends.
“A Platform for Shared Healing”
“The center will be a space for shared conversation, where we can witness each other’s struggles—and also a place for growth. It’s about seeing light in the midst of deep crisis and finding the path to keep going,” she explains.
The initiative is currently in early stages but has already attracted interest and support from professionals who want to help. The planned center will host group discussions, one-on-one therapy, and holistic treatments such as shiatsu and sound healing.
“Something Magical Happened”
At the same time, Nakler found grounding in her professional life. She now works as a fitness coach at Halutz – Education Through Sports, part of the Dror Israel movement at Moshav Ashbal. Her path there began almost by chance, when a friend from her community suggested she try working with at-risk youth.
“At first I was hesitant. I had worked with kids in youth groups and preschools, but this was different—it scared me,” she admits. “But we decided to give it a try, and slowly something amazing happened—a deep bond formed between us. It’s so much more than training. It became friendship and support. Something magical happened there,” she adds.
