HaGal Sheli

HaGal Sheli (meaning- “My Wave” in Hebrew) is a non-profit organisation in Israel, which uses surfing as an educational tool.

This project is partnered with Australian Jews to help bring therapeutic surfing to Israeli youth to address their profound traumas from Oct. 7th. Using surfing as an educational and therapeutic tool, the program was created to help prevent the development of PTSD. They help youth from Kfar Aza, Nahal Oz, Beeri, Nova party survivors and over 1000 other evacuees, giving them the tools to cope with the situation. 

The program provides at-risk-youth the chance to ‘ride the wave’ and create meaningful and successful lives. HaGal Sheli offers various programs for teenagers between the ages of 13-18. Surfing is used as a means to reintegrate teenagers who have drifted off course into absenteeism from school and have come to the attention of social workers or the criminal justice system. It is a condition of the program that all participants must attend school. Young adults are encouraged to develop life skills, by learning to cope with the forces of the sea.

The HaGal Sheli centre serves as a second home for these young adults. The program aims to cultivate a sense of belonging and provide a positive group of peers for them to identify with.

3000 Israeli teenagers have successfully completed the program in the last 5 years and 95% of the participants have graduated from high school.

As we navigate one of the most complex situations in Israel’s history, HaGal Sheli would like to invite the Australian community to be a part.

Anyone, age 22+ with basic Hebrew knowledge and basic surf experience is invited to volunteer with their groups and can sign up here.