Trauma Intervention For Children of Southern Israel

Urgent Call to Action

The horrific events of Saturday, October 07, 2023, have left a deep scar on our hearts and communities. This is a moment that demands our immediate attention and support.

As we grapple with the ongoing consequences of these devastating acts of terror, we must stand together, heal, and rebuild. HaGal Sheli (My Wave) is taking the initiative to make an immediate difference with trauma intervention, and we need your help.

HaGal Sheli's Plan of Action:

The “Waves of Hope” Emergency Program is currently operating, helping evacuated individuals from the surrounding Gaza Settlement communities.

“Tools from the Waves” - Healing Trauma and Building Resilience

The “Tools from the Waves” program is already actively making an immense impact on individuals evacuated from the conflict zone. HaGal Sheli developed specialized educational programs that help adolescents and young adults confront the complex traumas associated with war. HaGal Sheli expanded its outreach in 2022, introducing a surf therapy program in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense - Rehabilitation Department. This initiative, led by a clinical psychologist, leverages the therapeutic power of the sea to provide innovative somatic and holistic therapy to veterans with PTSD, enhancing their mental and emotional well-being and supporting their reintegration into civilian society while addressing their unique challenges.

Today, under the expert guidance of Dr. Tamar Dagan and Tamir Ashman, we have adapted the PTSD program to address the current crisis. Our program involves sessions led by educators, professional psychologists, and social workers, providing immediate support to those grappling with extreme trauma.

Program Details & Therapeutic Model

Our approach to trauma intervention is holistic, addressing physical and mental healing. We recognize that trauma can leave a lasting imprint on the body, and our therapeutic program aims to release pent- up tension, offering a central mechanism for trauma release. Program activities run continuously for ten daily sessions, each lasting 3 hours.

Incorporating surfing/marine-based activities into our therapy circles provides an alternative and conducive environment to traditional treatment methods. This setting promotes open dialogue, making it easier for individuals to express their feelings and experiences. Furthermore, our program adopts the MSI model (Memory Structure Intervention) developed by Professor Gedron. Instead of simply revisiting the traumatic event, this model encourages a structured and chronological approach to reviewing the traumatic experience, intertwined with discussions about resilience and the inner resources of the trauma survivor.

We firmly believe that this two-pronged approach, combining physical release with structured mental processing, will allow young people to process their traumatic experiences constructively. In doing so, we hope to ensure that these experiences remain as memories, no matter how challenging they may be, without developing into debilitating post-traumatic stress disorders.

By supporting HaGal Sheli’s “Waves of Hope” Emergency Program, you play a crucial role in helping young people regain their sense of security and build resilience in the face of adversity.

Join us in our mission to heal wounds, mend hearts, and empower the youth of Israel to face the future with strength and hope. Your generous contribution can make a world of difference.

Together, we can be a beacon of light during Israel’s most challenging days.

HaGal Sheli Statement of Hope

As soon as circumstances permit, in alignment with Home Front Command guidelines, HaGal Sheli will steadfastly remain an anchor of stability and hope for our youth. Our dedication to the long-term well-being of at-risk youth is unwavering.

Tax-deductible contributions in Israel should be sent to:

Bank Leumi

Account number 5418879

Branch 859

Swift code: LUMIILITXXX

IBAN: IL780108590000005418879