In Honor of Their Annual Campaign, GYE Opens Up About the Lives They’re Transforming

As Guard Your Eyes launches their annual campaign ahead of Yom Kippur, The Lakewood Scoop sat down with the organization to hear about the remarkable transformations happening behind the scenes. What we discovered were stories of genuine miracles—lives rebuilt, marriages saved, and yidden finding their way back to themselves.

“People don’t realize how widespread this struggle is,” explains Rabbi Yaakov Nadel, co-founder of Guard Your Eyes. “We’re helping tens of thousands of yidden across every segment of our community—from successful professionals to yungeleit, bochurim, and everyone in between. What makes GYE unique is that we’re the only organization in the Jewish world providing this specific combination: complete anonymity, research-based strategies aligned with Torah values, and a supportive community of people who truly understand.”

Note: All names in the following stories have been changed to protect privacy.

Story 1: The Husband Who Felt Like a Traitor

“I always viewed myself as two people,” shares Akiva*, now at 366 days clean. “One who leads a fake outside life: a respected community member, known as a role-model, a person who is beloved by his wife and family.

“Yet, the second person inside me was crazy: a sheigetz, a liar, a faker, and most of all a TRAITOR.”

Akiva continues with painful honesty: “I would look around at the people around me and think: why did Hashem create a whole nation of genuinely chashuv people true to their values, and only one traitor and liar in all of Klal Yisrael, who by coincidence happens to be me? I was a complete mess.

“Then I found GYE and connected with the warmest and greatest family in the world. Suddenly, I wasn’t alone anymore. I felt warmth flowing through my veins for the first time in forever. I have no words to thank you for what you’ve done for Klal Yisrael in general and for me personally.”

Story 2: The Marriage on the Brink

“My wife and I had become estranged. Arguments were constant. We were looking up divorce lawyers.”

This was Yosef’s* reality just last summer.

“I was watching inappropriate content daily. I went 25 years without ever having more than a few days clean. Even as I grew very much in learning, the problems continued. Nothing helped, not even Aseres Yemei Teshuva. Year after year, just hours after Yom Kippur, my 30-hour streak would be over. I was certain I would take this problem to my grave.”

Fast forward to this Erev Rosh Hashana:

“As we approach Rosh Hashanah, I am בע”ה holding at more than a full year of being clean, 388 days. I feel normal. I feel human. I feel happy. I’m free of shame and turmoil. With GYE’s help, the huge boulder that sat on my shoulders for 25 years no longer weighs me down. I really wish everyone who is trying to get clean would know: There is light. There is hope. It can be done.”

Story 3: Three Young Men Finding Freedom

The transformation isn’t limited to those who’ve struggled for decades.

Moshe* reflects on his journey: “I came to GYE to kick years of bad habits, and I’m now b”h 383 days clean. But what I’ve gained is so much more: I wake up excited each day instead of dreading it. Picking up my children is enjoyable again. My relationship with my wife deepened into genuine connection. Learning became pure focus on Torah, free from distracting thoughts. I owe so much to GYE, a place of true growth, where holy neshamos are embraced by loving, accepting friends.”

Mendy*, a yungerman, shares: “I struggled for years with the worst of the worst. I thought breaking free was impossible… Well, I WAS PROVEN WRONG. I’m at 271 days now! I couldn’t have done it without my supportive GYE friends who were mechazek me. They helped me realize I’m normal, just missing the right guidance. I have no words to thank you! You saved my life!”

Tzvi*, a 22-year-old bachur, adds: “I struggled since 8th grade. After 9+ years with a record of only 30 days clean, I decided to push for 90. Today marks 180 days completely clean! I feel reborn, though I know this is just the beginning of my journey. The benefits have been life-changing: Better relationships with everyone around me. Freedom from constant overthinking. Genuine self-love instead of harsh self-criticism. To everyone reading this, you can do it too.”

What Makes the Difference?

When we asked what sets GYE apart, Shmuel*, who recently marked 1,000 days clean, put it simply: “This past Shabbos marked 1,000 days clean for me. To my dear GYE friends who helped me get here, who held my hand, built real and meaningful friendships with me, and constantly inspired me… thank you. You’ve helped rebuild me. It was three things: Friends. Friends. And friends.”

Rabbi Nadel elaborates: “We’ve developed a comprehensive approach based on 18 years of experience. We call it the 3 Pillars: Motivation, Planning, and Connection. But at the heart of everything is the community—people who understand because they’ve been there, who accept you completely, and who treat you with genuine respect. That’s something you simply cannot find anywhere else.”

Founded by Yaakov Nadel and Yechezkel Stelzer with guidance from Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski zt”l and יבלחט”א Rav Aharon Feldman shlita, Guard Your Eyes has helped tens of thousands succeed through their cutting-edge, research-based approaches that are fully aligned with Torah values.

“These stories, and thousands more, are possible because of the generosity of our supporters,” Rabbi Nadel emphasizes. “We operate entirely through donations because all of our services are completely free. Every contribution helps us maintain our secure platform, develop new resources, train volunteer mentors, and reach more people who are struggling in silence.”

The Campaign

Guard Your Eyes is currently running its annual campaign. Just $30 a month—only $1 a day—can sponsor two members’ full year in this life-changing community.

As Rav Elya Brudny Shlita, Rosh Yeshiva of Mir Brooklyn, notes: “I can’t think of a bigger zchus harabim that a person can buy for themselves. Whoever is gonna lend a hand to this endeavor will be zoche to tremendous brachos from shamayim.”

Two Ways to Make a Difference

If you or someone you know could benefit from Guard Your Eyes’ life-changing support, visit GuardYourEyes.com—remember, it’s completely free, anonymous, and secure.

If not, please consider supporting GYE’s sacred work at Charidy.com/GYE. Your partnership enables thousands of Yidden to find freedom, wholeness, and renewed connection to Hashem. It’s a tremendous zechus before Yom Kippur.

*All names have been changed to protect privacy.