Following the Hamas attacks of October 7, Federation grantee, HaGal Sheli (My Wave) — a program that has existed for a decade — broadened its scope to address the unprecedented trauma that has now touched nearly everyone in Israel. Using surfing as a tool to teach participants how to overcome life’s challenges through determination and persistence, HaGal Sheli is helping to mitigate the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder for a wide range of individuals, including evacuees from the Gaza Envelope and northern communities, released and rescued hostages, survivors of the Nova music festival, and more.

“You don’t control the ocean. It can be dead flat. It can be big. It can be scary. But you get the opportunity to choose to go out there and ride your wave and try hard to persist.”
– Yaron Waksman, HaGal Sheli founder and CEO

The program is designed to address the immediate needs of those impacted as well as prevent potential long-term psychological consequences. Surfing allows participants to focus on the present, regain control, release energy, build friendships and community, experience success, and immerse themselves in nature therapy. HaGal Sheli’s mission is simple: Teach people with trauma how to overcome life’s challenges through determination and persistence — as in the ocean, as in life.