Al Hagal
HaGal Sheli (My Wave)
Creating Waves of Hope
11
Therapeutic Surf Centers
170
Therapeutic Groups
2,700+
Participants
About “Tools From the Waves” Trauma Therapy Program
“Tools From the Waves” is HaGal Sheli’s innovative trauma therapy program, operating for over four years and led by a dedicated team of clinical psychologists, social workers, and surf instructors. By using surfing as a therapeutic method, we combine physical activity with structured emotional processing, enabling participants to work through trauma in a way that significantly reduces the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In response to the Iron Swords War, HaGal Sheli swiftly adapted and expanded this program to address acute trauma among war victims. Today, we proudly collaborate with the Rehabilitation Division of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the National Insurance Funds, NATAL, the Israel Resilience Centers, the Israel Trauma Coalition, Kfar Izun, and many military units, ensuring comprehensive support for those in need.
The Unique Therapeutic Approach of HaGal Sheli
Our therapeutic program integrates multiple dimensions to address trauma effectively:
- The Physical Dimension
- The Emotional Dimension
- The Group Dimension
Heading out to the open sea creates a dynamic process that connects body and mind. This integration strengthens the healing journey and helps foster natural recovery from trauma.
Building resilience through group experiences provides a supportive space, enabling shared processing of challenges and seamless integration between physical activity and group emotional work.
Our focus on the present moment gives participants the tools to regain control over their bodies and thoughts—essential for addressing intrusive thoughts, a key symptom of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Program Participants
Participants include released hostages, survivors of the Nova Festival and other parties, displaced communities from the Gaza Envelope and Northern Israel, security forces, and reservists.
Our Communities
HaGal Sheli continues to serve some of the hardest-hit communities, providing essential support to those most in need. Our efforts extend to regions severely impacted by recent events, including but not limited to Alumim, Ashkelon, Bat Hadar, Be’eri, Bror Hayil, Bustan HaGalil, Dan, Dorot, Ein HaShlosha, Erez, Gevim, HaGoshrim, Holit, Kadarim, Karmiya, Kfar Aza, Kfar Maimon, Kfar Silver, Kiryat Shmona, Kissufim, Kochav Michael, Lahavot HaBashan, Mash’en, Matzuba, Mefalsim, Nachal Oz, Netiv HaAsara, Netivot, Nir Am, Nir Oz, Nirim, Nitzanim, the Nova Festival and other parties, Ofakim, Or HaNer, Patish, Re’im, Ruhama, Sderot, Sha’ar HaGolan, Sha’ar Yeshuv, Shlomit, Tushia, and Yevul. Through our dedicated programs and initiatives, we strive to empower these communities by providing the tools needed to rebuild and thrive.
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev studied the impact of HaGal Sheli’s therapy program, Tools from the Waves, during the Iron Swords War. The research findings revealed that program participants experienced a significant reduction in trauma symptoms, as measured by the DSM-PCL5 scale.
נתוני המחקר
82%
eported reduced avoidance behaviors and increased self-confidence. Overcoming avoidance is crucial as it allows participants to re-engage with daily life, minimize social isolation, and foster a return to routine.
76%
experienced fewer nightmares, intrusive thoughts, and flashbacks. A reduction in these distressing symptoms helps participants regain control over their minds, reducing emotional overwhelm.
76%
noted a newfound belief in themselves and trust in others. Restoring self-worth and trust in others is fundamental for rebuilding relationships and overcoming the guilt and worthlessness often felt post-trauma.
85%
Shared that the sessions became a powerful tool for navigating their recovery journey after the traumatic event.
Transformational Stories From Our Participants and Partners
Meni Abubram
Trauma Therapy Program Participant
In the group, I felt completely supported by the therapists in a judgment-free space. This gave me a lot of strength to open up, relax, and share my story from start to finish for the first time. I saw many new perspectives of my story that I hadn’t noticed before, which is something amazing that I couldn’t have experienced anywhere else.
Nadav Cohen
Iron Swords War Combat Commander
We took a break from the war after experiences that were hard to process. We saw things and lost friends. Everything was on hold, closed off, and we were afraid to speak out or open up. The encounter with the waves was powerful, both as a team and as individuals. It allowed us to pause for a moment, talk, cry, and let the waves wash over everything.
Alma
Gaza Envelope Resident
We lost five, one of them is my brother, who was very close to me. We also lost my uncle, grandma, cousin, and another uncle who was on a community security volunteer team. I try to suppress it. I come to surf in an attempt to overcome the sorrow. Especially during this time, despite all the pain, knowing that I’m not giving up on surfing gives me the feeling that I’m not giving up on my life. When I don’t succeed, I try again until I eventually do. It gives me control over my life so that I don’t feel like I’m falling apart and crumbling.
Dr. Tamar Dagan, Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)
Trauma Specialist
Trauma is absorbed through the senses. The participants learn new content - how to handle the sea, how to cope with themselves in moments of helplessness, and how to regain a sense of control and success. All of this is conducted in a group setting so participants create new connections. The ability to create a connection with another person in the context of healing is priceless. Sometimes, we even see a spontaneous recovery from trauma. HaGal Sheli has a tremendous impact both on the number of people it has affected as well as on the recovery process of individuals who have experienced traumatic situations. We must understand that this program simply saves lives.
Shai Levy
HaGal Sheli Herzliya Surf Therapy Center, Manager
In the beginning, the participants felt lost. I could see that the trauma was buried deep within them, and they tried to hide it. HaGal Sheli became their refuge from everything, even from talking about their trauma. The instant we brought up October 7th, everyone would close up. Only after a few meetings in their process did they suddenly start to share. I won’t forget when one student said that our group was the first place where she felt normal, that she was surrounded by people who all experienced the horrors of October 7th, and that she could just be herself.
Mor Ben-Dor, Master of Social Worker (MSW)
HaGal Sheli Therapy Manager
The sea washes everything away. What we bring with us to the sea, we get back in strength. In the meetings, there are smiles, excitement, and successes. Life continues, and it’s our way to continue. The participants that came to our meetings showed how life is stronger than everything, and we must keep going. As far as I’m concerned, this is our victory over the war. They did the worst to us- here we are, getting up and continuing and succeeding in rehabilitation.
Liza
Trauma Therapy Program Participant
As a participant, I discovered how capable I am. The sea reflects life in my eyes; it washes hard times away, and that’s important when overcoming trauma. Coming to the sea and surfing in hard conditions helps me when coping with the day. The sea washes away all the feelings. HaGal Sheli gives me a lot of room to talk about what happened. Before I participated in the program, it was very difficult for me to speak up. I was given the space to talk about everything. It’s much more than learning to surf. Life goes on, and in the end, we are here to live and not focus on death. I hope we will return even a little bit to the life we had before October 7th.
“Tools From the Waves”
