Israeli Tech Leaders Fund Ocean Therapy for Trauma Survivors

Leaders from Israel's tech sector gathered in Jerusalem to support an unusual form of trauma treatment: surfing.

The benefit event at the Tower of David raised funds for HaGal Sheli, an organization that uses ocean therapy to help people healing from war trauma. Paragon Solutions CEO Idan Nurick sparked the initiative, quickly rallying fellow tech executives around the shared mission of strengthening national resilience.

HaGal Sheli has operated for 13 years, teaching surfing as a therapeutic tool for at-risk populations and trauma survivors. The organization runs programs at 12 coastal centers across Israel and one in San Diego, California.

Since the war began, requests for mental health support have surged to unprecedented levels. The organization now serves returned hostages, Gaza border residents, Nova festival survivors, and security force members.

"This benefit enables us to expand and deepen trauma care, providing hope, resilience and tools to thousands of people of all ages," said Yaron Waksman, HaGal Sheli's co-founder and CEO. The organization's goal is leaving no one behind.

The Ripple Effect

Over 20,000 people have graduated from HaGal Sheli's programs, with 500 ongoing groups running each year. More than 500 professionals including therapists, educators, and surfing instructors support participants through their healing journeys.

The organization's impact earned recognition in 2023 with the President's Award for Strengthening National Resilience. Representatives from major firms including Natural Intelligence, City Bank, ION, and Jefferies attended the benefit alongside venture capital leaders.

The event featured live performances from Israeli artists and was produced by TECH.NO.DROME, one of the country's leading event production companies. All proceeds go directly toward expanding trauma treatment programs.

The gathering demonstrated how Israel's business community is stepping up to address mental health needs during challenging times, transforming waves into pathways for recovery.