Draft:My wave

About

Established in 2013, HaGal Sheli (My Wave) is an Israeli non-profit organization that utilizes surfing as a transformative educational and therapeutic tool. More than just a sport, surfing creates an immersive experience that pushes individuals beyond their perceived limitations, the unique model of HaGal Sheli builds resilience, and reveals inner strength. The dynamic waves, unpredictable currents, and constant quest for balance, falling and rising again, perfectly mirror life's many challenges. With 11 centers across the country and activities in San Diego, HaGal Sheli (My Wave) has supported over 16,000 at-risk youth, trauma survivors, and individuals with special needs and disabilities nationwide.

In response to the October 7, 2023, attacks and subsequent Iron Swords War, HaGal Sheli swiftly mobilized and expanded our specialized surf therapy program to address the urgent mental health crisis affecting those most directly affected. Our targeted programming now reaches released hostages, their relatives and close friends who are often ineligible for government support, as well as survivors of the Nova Festival, displaced communities from the Gaza Envelope and Northern Israel, and both security forces and reservists. This rapid response builds upon a decade of trauma-informed programming and more than five years of specialized PTSD surf therapy developed in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Defense’s Rehabilitation Department.

Founding and the Founders

HaGal Sheli (My Wave) was founded by two young entrepreneurs, Yaron Waksman and Omer Tulchinski. The two met while completing their bachelor’s degree in education, where the idea was born to combine their passion for surfing with their commitment to education and social impact.

What began as a small pilot program for at-risk boys and girls was guided by a simple yet powerful principle: “You go back to school, and in exchange, we will teach you how to surf, and provide whatever is required for free”. The pilot was declared a resounding success when 10 former dropouts who participated in the program returned to school and completed their studies.

Motivated by their impact, Omer and Yaron left their jobs, took out personal loans, bought surfboards and wetsuits, officially launching the nonprofit “HaGal Sheli” (My Wave). Today, Yaron Waksman serves as the organization’s CEO, while Omer Tulchinski serves as its Pedagogical Director. They are supported by a professional team of educators, psychologists, social workers, volunteers, scholars, gap year (Shin-shinim), and national service volunteers.

Educational Program

The program is multi-year and multi-step, based on diverse psycho-educational theories and serves as a parallel between coping with changing sea conditions, and coping with challenges in everyday life. The programming is based on a "head-body-head" model that combines theoretical learning, practical experience and internalizing and acquiring life skills. The process begins with the head, where participants learn something new about the sea and surfing, such as different currents and their respective dangers, how to utilize different currents to one’s own advantage. Afterwards they enter the water and actually experience what it was they learned in the classroom, and lastly they go through a group processing phase where they connect the insights from the classroom and the sea to their very own lives, where participants are encouraged to ask: “When do I feel like I’m getting carried away? When do I feel like I’m losing control? How can I regain control in my life?

The participants gradually transform from trainees to certified surf instructors.

The program is recognized by the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Education and also operates as part of the FPM (Flexibility, Pedagogical, Management) system, and the national "360" program for children and youth at risk.

The program’s outcomes are backed by a research study conducted by Dr. Maya Levanter-Roberts from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. The study examined the long-term impact of the program and revealed significant positive results:

Educational Attainment: Nearly 9 out of 10 (87.1%) graduates over 18 completed at least 12 years of schooling, significantly surpassing the national average of 55% for at-risk youth.
Matriculation Achievement: Among graduates over 18 who completed at least 12 years of schooling, 80% completed full Bagrut (Matriculation), surpassing the national average of 76%.
Military and Social Service Participation: Among Jewish graduates aged 18+, 79.7% had completed or were currently serving in the military or social service. This rate notably exceeds the reported national enrollment rate of 61% for those who do not receive exemptions, indicating a measure of social mobility facilitated by the program.

Other fields where significant improvement is seen include a rise in self-confidence, the ability to succeed, perseverance, and improved learning habits.

The program’s impact continues to be studied through ongoing collaborations with leading academic institutions.

Therapeutic Program

The 'Tools from the Waves' program began operating in 2020 in partnership with the Rehabilitation Division of the Ministry of Defense with the aim of assisting those suffering from PTSD through the use of therapeutic surfing.

The program combines physical release alongside structured emotional processing, thereby enabling participants to process trauma in a way that reduces the risk of developing PTSD.

With the onset of The ‘Swords of Iron’ War in 2023, the program was expanded and adapted for acute trauma treatment for war victims: youth and young adults from the Gaza envelope communities, evacuees from northern communities, security force personnel, Nova survivors and other party survivors and even hostages released from captivity.

The program is accompanied by a professional team of clinical psychologists, social workers and instructors, and operates in partnership with the Rehabilitation Division of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Welfare, National Insurance, National Coalition for Trauma, NATAL, resilience centers, Kfar Izun and multiple military units.

Impact data collected in partnership with Ben-Gurion University, led by Dr. Maya Leventer-Roberts, indicates:

82% of participants reported reduced avoidance behaviors and increased self-confidence. *
76% reported a decrease in the frequency of nightmares, intrusive thoughts and flashbacks.*
75% reported restored self-belief and improved trust in others .*

The program continues to be studied in collaboration with academic institutions.

To view the full research on Wikimedia Commons: link

Note: The 'Iron Swords' war refers to the current conflict that began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas's attack on Israel. The Nova Festival mentioned was one of the sites targeted in that attack.

Centers

The. organization has 11 educational and therapeutic centers

Bat Yam - Established in 2014 at the Riviera Beach. The long-term cooperation with the Bat Yam Municipality has enabled the development of an extensive community serving as a home for at-risk youth and trauma survivors.
Kfar Galim - Established in 2014, in partnership with the Kfar Galim boarding school in the Hof HaCarmel Regional Council.
Tel Aviv-Yafo - Established in 2014 on the Maarvi beach in partnership with the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, the Tel Aviv-Yafo Foundation, and the Jewish community in Australia. The center includes participants from diverse areas and cultures, reflecting the multiculturalism of the city.
Kiryat Yam - Established in 2021 in partnership with the Kiryat Yam Municipality and the B'darkha NGO. The center is named after educator and sea enthusiast Shmulik Tzivyon of blessed memory, and makes his legacy accessible to the city's youth.
Ma'agan Michael - Established in 2021 in partnership with the Hof HaCarmel School, located in Kibbutz Ma'agan Michael.
Hadassah Neurim Youth Village - Established in 2022 in partnership with the Hadassah Neurim Youth Village. The center serves boys and girls residing in the boarding school, who come from diverse populations in Israeli society.
Nahariya - Established in 2022, in partnership with the Nahariya Municipality.
Herzliya - Established in 2023 in collaboration with the Israeli nonprofit “Izun” and their impromptu "Izun Arena" initiative, a space that provides assistance to Nova party survivors and their families.
Ashkelon - Established in 2023 and initially operated on a limited basis from a mobile truck. Following the events of October 7th, the need for a significant response in the southern region increased, and the center expanded to a permanent facility where educational and therapeutic groups operate for youth and adults from the South of Israel.
Sdot Yam - Kfar Izun - Established in 2024, in partnership with the therapeutic rehabilitation village "Kfar Izun." The center serves young people who have experienced emotional and/or functional crises related to substance addiction, and receive comprehensive support from both the organization's staff and the village staff.
Nitzanim - Established in 2024, in response to Iron Swords, in partnership with the Hof Ashkelon Regional Council.

In addition to the organization's activities throughout Israel, unique activities are conducted in San Diego, USA.

Program Participants

The Israeli nonprofit HaGal Sheli (My Wave) works with diverse populations facing physical, emotional, and social challenges. Surfing is used as an educational and therapeutic tool to strengthen participants’ sense of capability, coping skills, and mental resilience. All activities are led by trained professionals and tailored to the unique needs of each group.

At-Risk Youth – Boys and girls aged 12–18 experiencing instability in their educational or family environments, including those who have dropped out or are at risk of doing so. The program aims to develop life skills and enhance self-efficacy through personalized mentoring and group activities.
Combat Veterans with Physical and Psychological Injuries – Veterans of military service and the reserves who are coping with trauma and PTSD. The program assists them in processing traumatic experiences and reduces PTSD symptoms.
Survivors of October 7th and Iron Swords War, as well as displaced communities from the Gaza envelope and Northern Israel – Children, adolescents, and adults directly affected by the October 7th, 2023 attacks. The program provides them with space for emotional processing through surfing.
Survivors of the Nova Festival and Other Parties – Survivors of the festivals and other parties from October 7th, 2023. The rehabilitation activities include emotional support and surfing as a therapeutic tool aimed at supporting participants' return to routine life and work, and helping them process traumatic experiences to reduce avoidance patterns.
Special Education – Children and adolescents with special needs facing social and emotional challenges. The program enables them to develop self-confidence and cope with new situations.
Individuals with Disabilities – Including IDF disabled veterans, amputees, children with muscular degenerative diseases, and people with other physical disabilities. The activities are adapted and based on accessible surfing that contributes to mental resilience and a sense of success.

Awards and Recognition

Over the years, HaGal Sheli (My Wave) has received national, civic, and international awards and recognition, in acknowledgment of its contribution to social resilience in Israel and its broader impact on the community.

Among the notable recognitions:

Presidential Award for Volunteering - Awarded in 2024, for strengthening national resilience, for HaGal Sheli (My Wave)’s work in treating trauma victims and at-risk populations through surfing.
Knesset Speaker's Award for Quality of Life - Awarded in 2018, for its contribution to improving quality of life in Israel.
"Heroes of the Year" Award - Awarded in 2021, as part of a joint project by Mifal HaPais and Keshet 12, recognizing Israelis whose contribution to society deserves public recognition.
"Distinguished Citizen of Bat Yam" Title - Awarded in 2022, for significant work for the city's residents and promoting quality of life in the community.
"Non-profit of the Year" Title from Salesforce - Awarded to HaGal Sheli in 2018.
"People of the Year" Title by Ynet and Yedioth Ahronoth - Awarded in 2023, for the significant contribution of HaGal Sheli (My Wave)’s founders to Israeli society and for exceptional work in the field.
"Standards for Effectiveness" Certification - Continuously held by HaGal Sheli.
In 2022, Yaron Waksman was selected as a promising leader and sent by the U.S. State Department on a month-long educational delegation to the United States as part of the IVLP program, where he specialized in managing non-profit institutions.
In 2024, HaGal Sheli was hosted at the White House, as a token of appreciation for its innovative activity in treating trauma through surfing.
In 2021, HaGal Sheli participated in "Hamsa Aleinu" an exhibition at the President's House, seeking to strengthen the "togetherness" of Israeli society while giving honor to every community.

External Links

Official website of HaGal Sheli (My Wave)
HaGal Sheli (My Wave) on Facebook
LinkedIn link
HaGal Sheli (My Wave)on Instagram
HaGal Sheli (My Wave) on the "Guidestar Israel" website
Diary with Ella Hasson - My Wave saves at-risk youth through surfing | Kan 11 formerly Broadcasting Authority, video on "Kan 11 - Israel Broadcasting Corporation" channel, on YouTube (length: 07:22)
Ido A. Zen, "Everyone can ride the wave and succeed in life", on ynet website, June 21, 2022
Teens from Gaza envelope went surfing to wash away the pain, video on "Calcalist | Calcalist" channel, on YouTube (length: 04:42)

Footnotes

^ HaGal Sheli (My Wave), on the Kibbutz Movement website - currently not to include until there's a link
^ HaGal Sheli (My Wave) NGO | Guidestar - Israel's NGO website | Ministry of Justice, on www.guidestar.org.il
^ Hadar Gil-Ad, Breaking the waves: At-risk teens who became surfers, on ynet website, September 22, 2018
^ Our story, on HaGal Sheli’s (My Wave) website
^ HaGal Sheli, on the National Security Ministry website: National Authority for Community Security, January 3, 2021
^ Migdalor Program, on HaGal Sheli website | Catching The Wave of Life
^ A Place in the World Program, on HaGal Sheli website | Catching The Wave of Life
^Junior team Program, on HaGal Sheli website | Catching The Wave of Life
^ young mentors Program, on HaGal Sheli website | Catching The Wave of Life
^ With the help of surfing: Emergency centers for youth dealing with war traumas, on Ynet website, October 31, 2023