Hagal Sheli Team 2

"HaGal Sheli" Team

The team at “HaGal Sheli” is composed of inspiring educators and people of the sea.

The team is carefully selected and goes through specially designed training sessions taught by the best trainers and mentors in the country.

The training sessions are held once every two weeks throughout the year; during which the intructors acquire new tools to enrich the educational process. The sessions focus on a variety of topics such as: resilience factors in adolescence, psycho-educational theories, positives psychology, incident and response analysis, bridging the gap between research and practice, the educational model that we developed, safety, compassionate communication and more.

With professionalism and determination, the “HaGal Sheli” team, both employees and volunteers, prove that anything is possible, no matter what!

The Leading Team

Yaron Waksman

Founder & CEO

Yaron Waksman

Yaron received his MA in Educational Systems Management from Tel Aviv University, and a BA with honors in Democratic Education from the ‘seminar Ha-kibbutzim’ College. He is a certified beach lifeguard, as well as a surfing instructor with over 15 years of experience. Yaron loves the sea and loves people. "I believe everyone deserves a chance to ‘catch the wave’ and if we truly want something and are willing to invest – we can succeed. I invite you to join our family and to take part in a life-altering experience".

Omer Tulchinsky

Founder and Pedagogical Director

Omer Tulchinsky

Omer holds a certificate in Nature Therapy, as well as a BA and MA in Education and a teaching certificate. He is a certified beach lifeguard, as well as a surfing instructor with certification from the Wingate Institute. "We started "HaGal Sheli" out of a dream to combine our two greatest loves – educating young people and surfing. Over the past few years I have witnessed the incredible change that hundreds of young people experienced with us. I have seen young people whose self-esteem and learning habits have improved immensely. For me, surfing and the sea are a way of life".

Yarden Sokolovsci

Training coordinator

Yarden Sokolovsci

With a BA in Special Education and a teaching certificate Yarden is now a M.A student in learning technologies . “Through my connection with the sea and surfing I have learned I can do and achieve anything. The sea takes us out of our comfort zone and bring us to face exciting challenges therefor combining education and surfing, creates a unique opportunity to develop. I am happy and proud to be part of the "HaGal Sheli" family!"

Guy Rotem

Training and Junior Staff Coordinator

Guy Rotem

Guy is a student of Democratic Education and Social Business Management,formerly a Neuroscience and Psychology student. "To me, being able to work in education and being a meaningful part of the lives of young people is a privilege. The sea is my second home and surfing is a way of life,a journey filled with intensity and freedom, so there was simply no choice but to combine the three. Waiting for you in the water".

Ily Ferbstein

Educational Coordinator - Tel Aviv

Ily Ferbstein

Ily grew up in Giva'at Ella and now lives in Tel Aviv. In 2010 he joined the Israeli Navy and served as a diver, where he was exposed to the of the sea. Since then he tries to spend as much time in the sea as possible. "I see the sea as the essence of life's challenges, its ability to create and mold one's character. To me, the sea is a unique tool for education and therapy. Over the past three years I have been able to see the real magic that the sea can crate, so all i have to do is to continue passing this gift on to the next people in line".

Gal Elyashiv

Research Development Coordinator

Gal Elyashiv

28 years old from Tel Aviv, holds a B.A in social work. “I was always involved in educational and social work. I started as a scout continued with doing my service year (a Gap year befor the army) in “Malkishua” rehab institute and all the way to my studies. I love the sea and the feeling it gives you and therefore believe it is an amazing educational and therapeutic tool. Surfing encounters the students with challenges that allow them to connect to their inner strengths, we get to join the ride and enjoy every second of it.”

Aviad Peleg

Operations Coordinator

Aviad Peleg

Aviad comes from 'Yad Rambam' and is a B.A student in Democratic Education at "Ha-Kibbutzim" College. Aviad's love for education began at the age of 15, out of his faith in mankind and the uniqueness of each individual:"The sea is my escape from the daily routine; it always puts a smile on my face. Being part of "HaGal Sheli" means combining my two greatest loves: the sea and education. For me, being an instructor at "HaGal Sheli" is an opportunity to help young people connect with the sea and themselves. Hope to see you on the beach!"

Uri Koler

Educational Coordinator - Kfar Galim

Uri Koler

Uri has a BA in Early Childhood Education, as well as a teaching certificate. "I began my path as an educator working with preschoolers as a kindergarten teacher. In addition, I always recruited nature to help me with various educational tasks. I have been a rafting, kayak, snowboard, Roller-blading and surfing instructor, and I am a pool and beach lifeguard. Ehud Banai (an Israeli singer) says in one of his songs: "you should listen to your heart, to the sea and to the pain" and that is what I have been doing ever since."

Adi Brosh

Finance Manager

Adi Brosh

Sean Shochat Sheingarten

Head of Resource Development Team

Sean Shochat sheingarten

Sean lives in Jaffa and holds a B.A in Education and Sustainability: "I have always been drawn to all kinds of extreme sports: Snowboarding, skateboarding and Surfing. When I came to "HaGal sheli" I discovered the possibility of educating through the sea and through sports. This opened up a new world to me.To me, the sea is the perfect place to take in the values and strength needed in order to deal with life's challenges. Don't go with the flow, lead yourselves to better places in life, and I'll see you on the wave!"

Liron Aduk

Education Department Director

Liron Aduk

Liron is a M.A student in Educational Administration and Leadership at Tel Aviv University,and has a B.A in Management and Social-Business Entrepreneurship from the “Kibbutzim” College. "It has always been important to me to be involved in educational work through love and faith in people.Surfing has become a way of life for me and over the past 4 years I have developed “HaGal Sheli” graduates programs. I am happy and privileged to be a part of "HaGal Sheli".

Noa Navon

Social Media Coordinator and graphic designer

Noa Navon

26 years old from Holon. Holds a BA in Learning technologies. "The sea is my greatest love and it has taught me a lot about myself and life. I believe that the perfect connection between education and the sea can create magic."

Guy Grossman

Photography and editing Coordinator

Guy Grossman

25 years old from Kfar Saba; guy is a photographer, surfer and skipper. currently a Film and Digital Media student at Tel Aviv University. "For me, the sea is an integral part of life and the place where I learned and developed as a person in the best way possible. It is my privilege to be an instructor with "HaGal Sheli" and combine my love of the sea with education. See you in the water!"

Yael Levi

Junior Team Coordinator

Yael Levi

24 years old from Giva'at Shmuel. An undergraduate student in Democratic Education at the Kibbutzim College. "I have been surfing and involved in working with at risk youth since I was 15 years old. When I came to "HaGal Sheli", I realized I had found myself and the most magical place in the world! I believe in educating out of joy, great love and discipline which comes from respect. Come fall in love!"

Yotam Ben-Zvi

Staff and Program Coordinator, Bat-Yam

Yotam Ben-Zvi

32 years old, lives in Tel Aviv, Yotam earned his BA in Communications Summa Cum Laude from the IDC in Herzliya. He is a graduate of the social leadership program "Rothschild Ambassadors". "My first experience with surfing was during my post-army trip to South and Central America, but I did not pursue it seriously for many years. Only in my early 30s did I return to surfing seriously, and I fell madly in love. "HaGal Sheli" is the perfect place for me, because it allows me to combine surfing with significant social change. Surfing is a way of life that teaches us perseverance, tolerance, caring for the environment and more".

Mor Peleg

Manager of 'Al Hagal' Social Business

Mor Peleg

Mor, 30 years old from 'Yad Rambam' holds a B.A in law and international relations. Mor joined our team as an instroctor in 2014. Since then, Mor worked with dozens of groups and was the manager of dozens of events at "Al HaGal" our social business which employs our graduates as surf instructors and supports "HaGal Sheli". In 2019 Mor started to head the 'Al HaGal' operation.

Tal Zmiri

Office Manager

Tal Zmiri

Tal is a student for education and Business management at "Ha-kibutzim" collage. "I am a big believer in people and in the ability each oh has to take responsibility over our lives. That is why education was always a big part of my life. I grew up in a youth movement and was a youth counselor in a boarding school. Anyone can be meaningful to himself and to the society he lives in, he just needs to know himself and his abilities ,to believe in himself and understand his environment and the challenges it brings. Here at "HaGal Sheli" we do all of this using the sea and surfing and we love it."

Omer Buchsweiler

Resource Development and public relations Coordinator

Omer Buchsweiler

Group Leaders

Ilan Sinka

Shunit Stopiky

Daniel Spenser

Chen Mualem

Ziv Amitai

Avihai Cohen

32 years old, married and father of two. Avichai has a B.A in geography and environment studies together with a kindergarten teaching certificate which is what he does today. "I have been surfing since I was 14, I am addicted to the sea, it is my getaway place. "HaGal Sheli" is the ultimate combination between working with youth and my natural environment- the water. I hope we can reach as many boys and girls and give them the gift named surfing."

Shachar Oved

Dor Hillel

23 years old from 'Petach-Tikva'. I did my army service in the elite unit- Egoz. Working with youth is an inseparable part of my life, I worked in summer camps for youth from all around the world and volunteered in the 'Acharay' organization. The sea for me represents challenge and freedom.I am here to influence others and to be influenced by others. Ill meet you in the water.

Yael Koko

28 years old, Yael is a M.A student for Social work. "I started to surf when i was 15 and spend most of my time as a teenager at sea. The sea is where i can breath, a place for freedom and love. The sea and surfing teach me lessons about life all the time and allow me to experience moments of all kinds- happiness, joy, frustration and pain. Working in education always fascinated me and i have the privilege to combine two of my greatest loves: surfing and education."

Matan Crispal

28 years old, lives in Atlit. Matan Is married and is the father of two adorable children. He is a student of Middle Eastern studies,Islam and Israel studies at the University of Haifa. He has been a tour guide with the Ministry of Education for over 7 years. "when I was a kid in Haifa I fell in love with the sea.To me, education is the most important profession there is, and the sea is the most amazing tool you can use to educate. "HaGal Sheli" is a place for surfers who look at the sea and see beyond! I am happy to be a part of this family!"

Eran Vos

31 years old, with a BA in physics and Atmospheric Sciences and a MA in Astrophysics. He is a doctoral student researching the water cycle in the atmosphere of Mars at the Weizmann Institute. "I love the feeling of 'coming back to nature' which the sea gives you. I really relate to the calm and serenity of the sea on the one hand, and its force and the adrenalin on the other. I believe any person can achieve what they want with determination and the right guidance".

Aviad Kades

Aviad is from kibutz Shfaiym and loves sports and the nature. He is a surf instructor and served in the rescue unit in the IDF. “Surfing for me is a place to relax and let go on the one hand but also add adrenalin to your routine. I came to HaGal Sheli out of the belief in the power of education and the potential surfing has to empower youth.”

Aviv Shnaider

26 year old, lives in Tel Aviv. Aviv is a student for business management and entrepreneurship at the IDC college. “Working with youth is something i had always loved. Starting at the Israeli scouts, through leading groups in ‘Taglit’ to becoming a ski and snowboard instructor in Austria where I lived for a couple of years. I have learned how engaging in extreme sports pushes us to face and overcome challenges and allows us to get to know ourselves better. I think HaGal Sheli’s activities are an amazing educational tool and I'm excited to take part!

Daniel Asher

Natalie Haki

30 years old from Lod, Natalie has a B.A in Humanities and Social Sciences from the Open University, as well as a certificate in Organizational Development and Conflict Resolution from the Beit Berl College.Natakie has worked at the "Bituach Yashir" company for the past 10 years and during the last three years has managed the organization's training team. "I fell In love with surfing about two year ago. It has made me become reacquainted with the sea, allowed me to meet good people who have become a family, and made me feel true enjoyment while teaching me how to deal with challenges".

Ori Bar Shalom Agmon

Ori Bar-Shalom Agmon

23 years old, lives in Haifa. Ori is a student of Arab literature and language. "I was born in Neve-Shalom , a Jewish-Arab village in the center of Israel. The sea and nature were always a part of what i did. My dream is to spend every day i can in the water together with changing the world! "HaGal Sheli" is the perfect place to start at.

Alon Ashkenazi

Omer Ron

Since I was remember myself-I'm in the water. Swimming, diving and surfing. “The sea is my greatest love, it gives me quiet and teaches me lessons about life, this is why the combination of surfing and education is to me so natural.”

Shahaf Karako

A student for sustainability and politics at IDC, lives in Tel-Aviv. " I have always loved sports and the sea and looked for a way to combine these two loves with education. I believe everyone has the ability to succeed in his or her's own way and I think HaGaL Sheli demonstrates that in the perfect way.

Shahar Yerushalmi

26 years old, student at HIT. “The sea for me is the essence of life- of the good and the bad, of coping with fears, ambitions and most of all teaches you respect for nature and for what is bigger than us. The dynamic relationship with the sea gives me answers to many of life questions along the way.”

Aviv Shrater

Valentin Tonkonogi

Lee Myrs

Mahmmud Badran

Maya Matityau

Liad Syvilia

Roni Dunkelman

Yair Sapa

Roni Dunkelman

Dor Hen

Training Team - Kfar Galim

Nasrin Barham

Daniel Walnovsky

Shai Matan

Nataly Dikman

Arkadi Mankowski

Training Team - Bat Yam

Elram Yehiam

Maya Ben Tov

Tom Porat

Gavan Maharran

Orel Mansheri

Eran Shalev

Mia Frenkel

Sol Cohen Rosenberg

Alon Barazani

Eran Hakim

Maya Bachar

Yonatan Kedem

Ayelet Shevach

Almog Ashur

Liri Gal

Tal Shmuel

Gal Rimmer

Roni Brailovsky

Raz Morad

Shai Kessel

Training Team - Tel Aviv

Shimon Ladigenski

Roni Katz

Shlomit Halperin

Nir Doron

Adi Kolikowsky

Doron Lahman

Roaya Freiman

Amir Avidor

33 years old from Tel Aviv, currently working as a project manager. Holds a BA in Industrial Engineering and Management and an MBA. "I love sports and love the sea, so after years of snowboarding I decided it was time to surf the waves as well. I believe engaging in sports allows for self-learning which gives significant life tools".

Gilad De Porto

Avi Antes

Sherut Leumi (National Service)

Liron Suliman

Shelly Safit

Hodaya Ozeri

Netanel Pokrovsky

Noga Ben israel