SDOT YAM, Israel (AP) — Wrapped tightly around his forearms, the former Israeli soldier feels the snakes’ cold skin against his, and for a moment he’s able to breathe.

It’s been nearly 18 months since he left the army after fighting in the war in Gaza , and the flashbacks and panic attacks haven’t ceased. He was wounded in a Hamas missile attack on his military base, and said two of his friends — also soldiers in their 20s — died by suicide. This farm in central Israel dedicated to helping soldiers has been a lifeline, he said.

“It doesn’t matter if a plane goes by or if the drone goes by or if someone is yelling. ... Because I’m here with the snake right now,” said the 27-year-old sergeant major, who called the experience grounding. Like other soldiers who spoke to The Associated Pres

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