IT’S ALL ABOUT PEOPLE
We take pride in our talented group of surf instructors, educators, social workers, and government officials which are a major part of our activity. Although HaGal Sheli is the sole implementing body, we are supported by local municipalities that provide beach services and maintain our educational surf center infrastructures.
Yaron Waksman
Founder and CEO
A true ocean lover and an enthusiastic surfer. Yaron combined his passion for surfing with ideas of education. A certified surfing instructor with over 15 years of experience, and a lifeguard. Yaron graduated with his master’s at the Department of Policy and Administration in Education at Tel Aviv University alongside an official teaching certificate. after completing his postgraduate studies graduated with great distinction from the Center for Empathy In Education and Society, the Kibbutzim college Tel Aviv, (cum laude).
Yaron is a member at Maoz program, IVLP alumny from the US department of state, Hero of the year for KESHET, and recognised as ‘Yakir Haeir’ Bat Yam.
“I truly believe that everyone deserves a second chance. If we are sincerely invested in something, and willing to invest our time and attention, we all can aspire to success. I invite you all to take part in our mission, and join HaGal Sheli’s family”.
Omer Tulchinsky
Founder and Pedagogical Director
A scholar and a surfer, and the philosopher who formed and developed HaGal Sheli’s unique educational framework – “Head – Body – Head” – which serves as the foundation of the entire five-year educational process . Omer completed B.A and Masters in education alongside an official teaching certificate, He is a cognitive-behavioral therapist, a nature-therapy practitioner, and facilitates dynamic group sessions. Additionally, he is a certified lifeguard and a surfing instructor affiliated with the Wingate Institute.
“The last couple of years have proven that an honest change is possible. I witnessed the positive changes the educational process evoked. I experienced myself how surfing can serve as a way of living, and was always driven by the want to share the oceans’ healing qualities”.
Rachel Kaplan
Partnerships Coordinator
born in the US in 1992, living in Tel Aviv and holds a degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from the Interdisciplinary Center. She’s been surfing since childhood and tries to be in the sea at least once a day. “The sea provides calmness and perspective on life. We have no control over what we receive each day – storm, calm, waves… I couldn’t think of a more suitable tool for my life to use as a means of educating youth.”
Ben Goldenberg
Data Systems Coordinator
“Born in 1994, living in central Tel Aviv and originally from the town of Har Adar. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management with excellence from Tel Aviv-Yafo Academic College.”
Saeed Ibrahim
Arab Society Coordinator
I was born in the year 2000, born and raised in Jaffa and still reside there. I hold a certificate of completion in cybersecurity and information security from the Akrio College in Ramat Gan, a certified surfing instructor from the Wingate Institute. I live just a 10-minute walk from the sea, and every day I must be near the sea or at least see it from afar once a day.
The sea is my mentor, always reminding me to be humble, attentive and to behave according to it. As much as we think we are strong and great, the sea always reminds us who is in control and who is greater.
Daniel Zafrani
Educational Coordinator
Born in 1991, I currently live in Tel Aviv, originally from Moshav Mishmar Ayalon. “I discovered surfing in Peru where I lived for two years and ever since then, surfing has been a part of my soul.”
Roni Dunkelman
Educational Partnerships Coordinator
born in 1991, currently residing in Tel Aviv, originally from Kibbutz Ma’agan Michael. Holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and studies hydrotherapy. Discovered surfing at the age of 15, at a time when surfing was considered a predominantly male sport and there were very few women in the water. Fortunately, there is a much larger representation of women in the sport today 🙂 “We grow through our connection with others, and with surfing, we have a huge opportunity to be significant figures and sometimes hold hope for young boys and girls who may not be able to see it for themselves.”
Shaked Cohen
Director of the HaGal Sheli Center - Kiryat Yam
Director of the HaGal Sheli Center – Kiryat Yam,
Born in 1998, Mekrit Ata.
Has a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Haifa.
She served as a combat fitness instructor, has a fitness trainer certificate and a volleyball coach.
An active volleyball player in the national league in Maccabi Haifa.
I believe in sports as a way of life, in water as healers and in their combination…
Treatment and education through projective tools – sports, sports, nature gardening, music…💙
Idan Levy
Kfar-Galim Center Manager
34 years old, originally from Haifa, currently lives in Hatzalet Hasharon. Has a master’s degree in education with a specialization in social change and a bachelor’s degree in behavioral sciences at Rupin College with a specialization in organizational consulting and human resources. “I have been involved in education in various formats for over a decade and see the work in my wave as a mission and a privilege that connects my two biggest worlds – sea and education.”
Elram Yachiam
Partnership Manager
31 years old grew up in Holon, currently lives in Kibbutz Palmahim.
Married to the amazing Linoi!
Has a master’s degree in educational administration and leadership from Tel Aviv University, and a bachelor’s degree in physical education and teaching from the Kibbutz Seminary College with a specialization in populations with special needs.
“After years of working in various organizations and associations in the educational field, I came to “HaGal Sheli”, an association that combines my great loves in life – education and the sea. I believe that the sea is an educational tool and a valuable resource with which wonderful things can be achieved. Proud to be part of the significant work at “HaGal Sheli”.
Avihay Cohen
Kiryat Yam Center Manager
Maor Simcha
Finance Manager
“As a graduate with a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics, I believe that with the help of our natural abilities, we can also learn about ourselves and constantly strive for self-improvement. As someone who grew up in less pleasant surroundings, I can imagine that my wave can be a home for young people like me.”
Shir Kahlon
Ashkelon Center Manager
Hagal Sheli is an opportunity to provide young boys and girls a place where they are seen in a positive light, a chance to give them a belief that they can achieve more, that they are capable of more. Seeing them and their needs, and offering them equal opportunities to acquire tools for life.
In my eyes, the ocean represents life itself, with all the challenges, fears, strengths, and feelings of capability
Yael Levy
Tel-Aviv Center Manager
Born in 1997 in Giv’at Shmuel. Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Democratic Education and Social Business Management from the Seminar HaKibbutzim College. Currently studying for a certificate in Parental Guidance and Training at the Adler Institute. Active in the social movement of Bnei Akiva and a graduate of national service with Jewish and Arab youth on the periphery. “The sea in my eyes washes away the prejudices that bother the heart and the eyes, to see that we are all human beings, with the same needs and feelings that just want closeness and love.
Harel Ozeri
Director of the HaGal Sheli Bat Yam Association
director of the Hagel Shali Bat Yam association
Born in 1988 in Netanya, has a bachelor’s degree in economics and management from the Open University and is an nlp practitioner and business entrepreneur. “When I want to be inspired to create and innovate, I go to the sea to look for the answers, I want to initiate social and educational change for a better generation”
Noam Feller
Bat Yam Center Manager
A 29-year-old from Yaffo, with a bachelor’s degree in education and a social business manager at the Kibbutzim College, a graduate of the Tzofim (Scouts) movement and the “Israel 2050” leadership movement, and one of the founders of the “Clean Profit” initiative to promote financial education in Israel. “The sea and surfing are an amazing way of life for me, enabling endless learning and providing a great gift to everyone.
Amir Suraski
Education Coordinator
Ephy Shapiro
International Partnerships Manager
born in 1990, immigrated to Israel in 2012 from the United States, and now lives in Tel Aviv. Holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and International Relations and a master’s degree in maritime archaeology. Previously worked at a nature conservation organization as a public and community center. Dives, surfs, sails, and lives by the sea. “The sea is not only a valuable resource, but also the most unifying and healing force – a resource that transcends all religious, political, and social divides. Throughout history, in every religion and culture, in every corner of the world, water is a purifying element that makes each of us understand that we have no control over superior forces. A person needs to find balance in unexpected situations where they have no control. It is a special privilege to continue to educate through the most precious resource that exists.
Shir Avni
Director of the Tel Aviv Jaffa Center
Born in 1990, originally from Eilat, currently lives in Jaffa. Has a bachelor’s degree in economics and management.
A competitive windsurfer in the past – Israeli youth champion in windsurfing and Israeli runner-up in adults.
Enjoying the sea in every way – surfing, windsurfing, swimming and diving.
For 8 years I guided groups of children and youth in surfing and tank diving.
Excited to discover every time anew how a trainee’s sense of success in facing challenges in the marine arena, also affects dealings in other arenas in his life.
I believe that the sea and a benevolent relationship heal everything.
Our Therapists
Ran Eisenberg
Clinical Psychologist
Specializes in mental health treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. He balances psychodynamic work with integrative psychotherapy (CBT) and Buddhist values. He also focuses on severe anxiety in children.
Dr. Ariel Ezra
Teacher and Researcher of Social Work
With a PhD in social work, Dr. Ezra teaches and researches aspects of social work at Ashkelon Academic College. He instructs in the field of psychiatric rehabilitation and teaches at the School of Rehabilitation, Recovery, and Social Integration at Ono Academic College.
Dr. Tamar Dagan
Trauma Specialist
With a PhD in social work, Dr. Dagan is a graduate of a 3-year program in psychoanalytic psychotherapy and a 2-year program in integrative psychotherapy. She also is a therapist in specialized trauma treatments SE and EMDR.
Dr. Hamutal Ben Zion
Clinical Psychologist
With a PhD in clinical psychology, Dr. Ben Zion treats adolescents and adults. She has experience with handling life crises, low self esteem, loneliness, distress, and the feeling of not getting anywhere in life. She is also advanced in treating anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Our Guides
Eran Fos
Leading instructor
35 years old, with a bachelor’s degree in physics and atmospheric sciences, a master’s degree in astrophysics, and a doctorate in planetary sciences from the Weizmann Institute. Investigates natural climate changes in terrestrial planets with an emphasis on Mars. I love nature and especially the sea, the sea accepts you as you are. The sea has many sides like humans, on the one hand calmness and peace in infinity and on the other hand strength that is expressed in currents and waves.
I believe that with guidance, patience and guidance you can bring out the best in every person.
Dor hillel
Leading instructor
Ayelet Shevah
Leading instructor
Film teacher and creator, worked for years in the television and film industry, then realized that education was the direction. “The sea has always been my favorite place, the place where I relax and get a lot of inspiration. I started learning to surf a few years ago, very quickly I realized that I can learn so much about life and myself through surfing. I am happy to be part of the “Sheli Wave” team And pass on my love for the sea to others.”
Beny salam
Maia Bachar
Roni Brielovsky
David vlad
Hasan
Sivan shmueli
Shahar yerushalmi
Roni katz
Nathalie Haki
Hen aspis
Eran Hakim
Tal levi
Aviv sherter
Adi Kulikovsky
Nitsan buhbut
Yonatan shimshoni
Ziv amitay
Daniel Biton
Gal Rimer
Yaki shavit
Yotam ben-tzvi
Liri gal
Neta katz
Ilan sinka
Omer ron
Omri dor
Raz Morad
Elram yehiam
Idan Sheli
Nir Doron
Dor hen
Maia ben-tov
Shahar hai
Daniel Spencer
Mahmud badran
Shir kahlon
Didi frenkel
Shahar Hai
Omer carmeli
Ofri Udi
Alon ashkenazi
Din
Tomer goldstein
Noam yaron
Shahar karako
Maia matitiahu
Board of Directors: Ronen Erez, Maor Tzairi, Amir Ginosar
Audit Committee: Shai Haddad, Assaf Kadmon
External Auditor: Binyamin Kramer, Ofer Maimon
Internal Auditor: Hagai Amiton