HaGal Sheli CEO Advocates Surf Therapy for National Recovery Amid Crisis
Yaron Waksman, co-founder and CEO of HaGal Sheli, spoke at the Jerusalem Post Annual Conference in New York, emphasizing the role of surf therapy in aiding Israelis to cope with trauma following recent conflicts. HaGal Sheli, established over a decade ago, is the largest surf therapy organization globally, with over 20,000 participants, including 5,000 new members since October 7. The organization supports various groups affected by trauma, including released hostages, IDF soldiers, and bereaved families. Waksman shared a poignant story of a young boy who found joy through surfing despite his family's tragic loss, illustrating the therapeutic power of surf therapy. The organization uses a unique 'SEAstem' model to help participants focus on the present, reducing PTSD symptoms significantly. 
