Who would have thought to combine surfing with helping youth at risk? HaGal Sheli, founded a decade ago by Omer Tulchinsky and Yaron Waschsman, two individuals united by a shared passion for youth education and surfing has become a significant force in the realm of youth empowerment. Through the years, HaGal Sheli has reached out to thousands of at-risk youth across Israel, utilizing the therapeutic power of the sea to instill a sense of capability and life skills.
A Visionary’s Path
Omer Tulchinsky’s journey began during his undergraduate studies in education, where he met his future co-founder, Yaron Waschsman. Their shared love for surfing and youth education sparked the idea of HaGal Sheli. Starting with just ten youths, the pair witnessed a remarkable transformation as all participants returned to school, prompting them to leave their jobs, take loans, buy equipment, and establish HaGal Sheli. Today, the organization operates nationwide, with hundreds of groups and thousands of at-risk youth joining their activities every year.
HaGal Sheli’s Core Mission: Empowerment Through Surfing
HaGal Sheli’s unique approach integrates significant adult interactions, positive group belonging, and authentic success experiences through the challenges of the sea and surfing. Omer explains, “When you are out on the waves, it is just you and the board. You have to take responsibility for yourself.” This method has successfully helped many youths from diverse backgrounds, including Jewish and Arab, secular and religious, native Israelis and immigrants, to overcome their challenges. Omer continues, “Agency over their surfing translates into agency in other areas of their life.”
Pivoting in the Wake of Tragedy
The October 7th events compelled HaGal Sheli to immediately establish emergency programs for traumatized youth called “Tools from the Wavers”, and displaced youth called and “Waves of Relief”. These programs are designed to help participants process the difficult events they experienced using the sea and surfing, aimed at early intervention to prevent the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and to cope with anxiety.
Participants in the emergency program hail from the south, including Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz, Nativ HaAsara, and Sderot and others. How did HaGal Sheli reach these youth? Omer tells of how in the days after the massacre, they simply went to where the communities were staying with a skateboard and spoke to youth. They were hurting and traumatized, but they needed an outlet, and HaGal Sheli stepping into the gap. Now, they have 8 activity centers along the coast with hundreds of participants.
HaGal Sheli isn’t only focusing on traumatized youth, but they also opened up therapeutic groups for NOVA concert survivors from October 7th, utilizing the same therapeutic principles in their program.
Emergency Program: A New Wave of Healing
Building on its extensive experience working with PTSD victims in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department, HaGal Sheli adapted its program to cater specifically to the trauma inflicted by the October 7th events. This adaptation was closely guided by Dr. Tamar Dagan, a clinical psychologist and trauma expert.
The program emphasizes a holistic approach combining physical release and structured emotional processing, believed to reduce the risk of developing PTSD. Key components include focusing on the present moment, enhancing a sense of control through navigating the unpredictability of the sea, physical release of pent-up energies, the strengthening power of group activities, and the experience of success in facing the sea’s challenges. Additionally, the therapeutic nature of being in open air and contact with water plays a crucial role in healing both body and mind.
A Journey of Healing
HaGal Sheli’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of empathy, innovation, and resilience. Through surfing, HaGal Sheli not only teaches the art of riding waves but also transfers that experience to overcoming and thriving amidst life’s turbulent seas. As HaGal Sheli continues to expand its reach, it remains a symbol of hope and healing, guiding young souls towards a brighter horizon.
The Project:
HaGal Sheli is raising 45,000 NIS for each cohort, and have been able to run 15 already, but the need is much greater. Their team of 300 volunteers and 90 full-time and part time employees are committed to giving the tools to youth to overcome their trauma and regain their sense of agency over the course of 10-15 sessions, helping hundreds of kids.
How to Give:
HaGal Sheli has Israeli tax-deductible status in Israel; to donate click here. They also have US tax deducible status; to donate click here.
Kosher Status:
The HaGal Sheli organiation was founded in 2015 and has Section 46 status and a certificate of proper management. HaGal Sheli also has 501(c)3 status. Information on their team, board and strategic partners appear on their website. They have taken their expertise and retooled their programs to prevent PTSD in the wake of the Iron Swords War.
Fine Print:
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