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Trauma recovery program for Israelis returning to civilian life

Shavim is a national program offering early mental health intervention for Israelis facing trauma and psychological distress following their reintegration into civilian society during and after the war.

Designed to prevent long-term mental health challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, the program equips participants and their families with practical tools to bolster their innate resilience and reclaim their lives.

Help our bravest people rebuild their inner strength.

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Welcoming our bravest back home

Shavim runs across [X] therapeutic sites nationwide, providing an eight-week program that supports the emotional and physical wellbeing of participants. Each week delivers structured, stigma-free therapy combining clinical, holistic and community-based healing techniques.

Weekly therapy is key

Participants attend weekly sessions blending group therapy, stress inoculation, equine therapy and body-based treatments like yoga and mindfulness. Sessions help individuals reconnect with their bodies and begin to process their trauma in a safe and supported environment.

Family and community

Shavim also involves families in the final week of the program, fostering stronger emotional support systems and helping participants reintegrate into daily life with greater resilience and community connection.

No one should fall through the gaps

Crucially, the program fills a gap in Israel’s overstretched mental health system – bringing timely intervention to those in need before they are lost in long waitlists or suffer in silence due to stigma.

The Impact

Shavim has delivered transformative results for thousands of Israelis since its launch. Participants report better sleep, reduced anxiety, stronger relationships, and a new sense of hope.

8

week structured therapy program

Thousands

reached

6

sites for nationwide healing

X

family members attended integrated family healing session

Shavim gave me tools I never knew I needed - not just for myself but for my children and those around me.

Participant

My son came home a shell of himself. After Shavim, the light slowly returned to his eyes. He started laughing again. We feel like not only have we got him back but we also have the tools to help him with whatever comes next.

Mother of a Shavim participant

Post Oct 7 Response

Shavim was launched as a direct response to the mental health crisis caused by the October 7 attacks and subsequent war. With trauma rippl ing across the country, Shavim quickly scaled to deliver early mental health support where traditional systems could not. The program offers a vital pathway for healing that supports not just individuals, but entire families and communities.

Support the mental health of Israelis through Shavim

Your donation helps our bravest people heal from trauma and rebuild with strength, dignity and connection.