Magazine
Since October 7 and the subsequent evacuation of Israelis from communities on the borders with Gaza and Lebanon, Jewish National Fund-USA’s affiliated therapeutic horseback riding center near Eilat has opened its gates to all who need it, now providing treatment to 30-40 evacuated children as well as adults.
“Adam,” a six-year-old boy, arrived with his family after enduring a grueling 22 hours in their safe room, where they could hear the sounds of gunfire surrounding them. Upon their rescue, they faced the aftermath of their kibbutz’s significant casualties and hostage situation, including the heart-wrenching sight of their beloved friends’ charred remains.
This young child’s world had been shattered. He constantly spoke of death, blood, terrorists, malevolent individuals, and his abducted friends.
Ehud Katzaf, a licensed therapist at the center said, “I promptly recognized the urgency of establishing a safe environment where I could delve into his inner world. My goal was to help him understand that this harrowing experience did not have to define his reality and to guide him in rediscovering his lost childhood, allowing him to be a child once more.”
Therapeutic horseback riding provides a proven holistic and nurturing approach to helping people with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder heal from their trauma and regain a sense of control, resilience, and hope for the future. Taking the reins and controlling the horse’s path, along with the rhythmic swaying movement of the horse facilitates openness and a feeling of safety.
This is the beginning of Adam’s healing. Each time he rides, feeling the desert wind against his face, Ehud helps him heal his spirit. This process is enabling Adam to slowly articulate his emotions and address his trauma, providing optimism for his ongoing recovery and emotional restoration.
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