HaGal Sheli Catching the Wave of Life

HaGal Sheli

Creating Waves of Hope

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11

Surf Centers

2000+

Current

Participants

Emergency Trauma Intervention Program for Victims of Terror and Conflict

In the aftermath of the heinous Hamas attacks on October 7th, the urgent need for support in helping Israeli teenagers and young adults confront the profound trauma is undeniable.

In the immediate aftermath of the October 7th events, HaGal Sheli initiated an emergency plan to assist Israeli youth in navigating their complex emotions and experiences using surfing. Our goal is to swiftly reach as many affected teens as possible to offer aid, aiming to mitigate the development of PTSD.

Current Groups

Abductees who returned from captivity, survivors of the Nova Festival, the “Otef settlements”, evacuees from the north of Israel, Reservists and military units.

Coming from the following settlements: Or Ha’ner, Erez, Ashkelon, Be’eri, Bror Hayil, Bat Yam, Gevim, Gitit, Dorot, Dan, Ha’Gosharim, Herzliya, Tirat HaCarmel, Yevul, Jerusalem, Yated, Kisufim, Holit, Kfar Maimon, Kfar Silver, Kfar Aza, Karmia, Lehavot HaBashan, Modiim, Hof Ashkelon Regional Council, Shomron Regional Council, Meflasim, Matzuva, Naale Project, Nahal Oz, Nitzanim, Nir Oz, Netiv HaAsara, Netivot, Ein HaShlosha, Alumim, Tushia, Patish, Kadarim, Kiryat Shemona, Ruhama, Sderot, She’ar Yashuv, Re’im, Nir Am.

Be'eriKfar AzaNetiv HaAsaraShe'ar YeshuvGevimMefalsimAlumimBror HayilOr HabarMatzuvaLehavot HaBashanNir AmSderotHaGoshrimAshkelonPatishKarmiaNitzanimKfar SilverNahal OzBat YamTel Aviv-YafoKiryat YamJisr a-ZarqaJurusalemTirat Ha'CarmelKfar QasimKiryat ArbaHolonLodHaifaUmm al-FahmNahariyyaNof HaGalilTamraOr AkivaHarishYokne'amDeir al-AsadYavneGiv'atayimRishon LeTsiyonModi'inOr YehudaRosh HaayinEin NaqqubaMa'ale AdommimGush EtzionMateh BinyaminTekoaYehudPetah TikvaRehovotKiryat BialikRa'ananaKuseifeRahatLaqiyaAr'arat an-NaqabShaqib al-SalamBet ShemeshKiryat MalakhiAzorRamat GanAfulaMigdal HaEmekMa'agan MichaelKafr QaraBinyaminaPardes HannaKiryat AtaShefaramKafr MandaKarmielMegidoSurvivors of the Nova party

For over a decade, HaGal Sheli has empowered youth nationwide to conquer life’s challenges by harnessing the transformative power of surfing, fostering personal growth, resilience, & success.

“Tools from the Waves” was created as an adapted version of HaGal Sheli’s PTSD program, operated in partnership with the Israeli Ministry of Defense Rehabilitation Department, providing immediate assistance to Israeli youth from Israel’s southern Gaza Settlement communities. Under the guidance of Dr. Tamar Dagan, a clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, the program is a response to the complex traumas inflicted by the attacks and is dedicated to providing immediate assistance to those affected.

Emergency Trauma Intervention Program
Tools from the Waves

an innovative program designed as an urgent treatment plan for victims of terrorism and conflict. This unique initiative utilizes surfing as a powerful therapeutic tool, complemented by the expertise of a dedicated team of educators, clinical psychologists, and social workers.Our belief in the efficacy of a combined approach is at the core of this program. By integrating physical release with structured emotional processing, we aim to provide participants with a holistic method for processing trauma. Our goal is to reduce the risk of post-traumatic stress and empower individuals on their journey to healing.

Media Coverage

The unique program of HaGal Sheli

Present-Moment Immersion

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Surfing immerses individuals in the present through its physical demands, skill requirements, and the dynamic nature of the sea, redirecting focus from past trauma or future worries.

Control Amid Uncertainties

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Surfing, with its challenges like waves, currents, changing weather, and falls, helps diminish feelings of helplessness over time, restoring a sense of control weakened by trauma.

Stress Release

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Surfing, as a dynamic physical activity, provides a valuable outlet for releasing pent-up energies, contributing to the gradual release of trauma-related physical tension.

Vital Group Support

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Strong connections with others are essential for trauma healing. Engaging in group activities, both at sea and elsewhere, fosters contact, active participation, communication, and positive mutual influence among participants.