Hagal Sheli (My Wave) Surf Therapy Centers

This center stands as a powerful symbol of hope and renewal. In a place marked by loss on the tragic events of October 7th, with 19 lives taken on this very beach, HaGal Sheli’s Zikim Surf Therapy Center offers a space for emotional healing and resilience, and has been recognized as one of Israel’s most significant nationwide rehabilitation efforts of the Gaza Envelope.

Over the next five years, the center is expected to support more than 7,500 participants through 500 therapeutic surf groups. Participants include acute trauma survivors, residents of the Eshkol District and Gaza Envelope, released hostages and their families, survivors of the Nova Festivals and other parties, bereaved families, members of the security forces, medical personnel and first responders, people with disabilities, and anyone who has experienced hardship or trauma. We established this center in partnership with the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council and dedicated partners.

Established after the outbreak of the Iron Swords War as a mobile surf therapy truck, the center has since evolved into a permanent hub, delivering specialized surf therapy programs to at-risk youth and trauma survivors of all ages – from children to adults – equipping them with vital coping tools through the powers of the sea and surfing.

The city of Bat Yam was the first place to open its doors to HaGal Sheli, helping open the first center, and has since become an integral and valued partner. Thanks to the cooperation with the municipality over the years, HaGal Sheli has created an extensive community of program graduates in Bat Yam that continues to grow every year – becoming a testament to the city’s investment in its youth. In April 2023, HaGal Sheli’s co-founders Yaron and Omer, were honored with the “Bat Yam Honorary Citizens” award.

What began as the first small high school pilot program of HaGal Sheli has grown into a powerful partnership with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality. In November 2022, alongside the city and our Australian partners, we opened the Surf Therapy Center. It has since become a safe haven for a diverse mosaic of kids from all over the city, reflecting the rich, multicultural spirit of Tel Aviv-Yafo. It’s become a place where individuals from all walks of life – Jews, Muslims, and Christians – catch waves of hope together.

Founded after October 7th, the Herzliya center offers holistic surf therapy to Nova Festival survivors, regional trauma victims, reservists, and their families. Led by certified therapists and surf instructors, the program helps participants process trauma, reduce avoidance behaviors, and rebuild their routines. Backed by a supportive community, many program graduates join the HaGal Sheli team as assistant instructors, inspiring the next wave of participants.

Located at Hof HaOnot, the HaGal Sheli Netanya Center was established in collaboration with the Netanya Municipality and other valued partners out of a shared commitment to expand the organization’s reach to city residents and the communities of the surrounding areas. Integrated into the Netanya Riviera, the center serves as a central hub in the community, while partnering with education, welfare, and city leaders to help more individuals from marginalized communities catch their wave.

In December 2022, HaGal Sheli opened its sixth center in the Hadassah Neurim Youth Village – a boarding school providing vital support to diverse populations including youth at risk. Working in close collaboration with village leadership, HaGal Sheli has developed a unique surf therapy and educational program tailored to the needs of these students.

Kfar Izun is a unique rehabilitation village for young adults recovering from brief mental health crises. Through a partnership launched in January 2024, residents participate in a tailored HaGal Sheli surf therapy program. Their experiences through the sea and surfing offer an uplifting mental breather, allowing participants to find moments of relief and emotional grounding. Supported by both HaGal Sheli and village staff, this secure environment teaches them how to regain their balance – both on the waves and in life.

Established in 2015, Kfar Galim became HaGal Sheli’s third surf therapy center and its first expansion into northern Israel. Since then, students from the village’s school and boarding program have grown through our ‘From Trainee to Instructor’ track, forming a deeply connected and empowering local community.

Behind the collaboration between Kiryat Yam and HaGal Sheli lies an inspiring story. The “BeDarchecha” association – founded to honor the late Shmulik Zvion, a beloved local educator and ocean lover – saw HaGal Sheli as a natural partner. Together with the Kiryat Yam Municipality, we launched a powerful three-way partnership to make the sea accessible to local youth as a tool for empowerment and informal education, keeping Shmulik’s legacy alive. The shared values of Shmulik’s family, HaGal Sheli, and the municipality provide a strong foundation for the program, which continues to enjoy extraordinary support from the city as they create waves of positive change together.