Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli joined wounded IDF soldiers and veterans for a surfing session in Herzliya on Friday, urging servicemembers to make time for their mental health and seek help when needed.
Chikli attended the annual gathering of Hahazakim Mitgalim, an organization that supports wounded IDF soldiers and veterans through surfing, community activities and rehabilitation programs.
“I believe every soldier should allow themselves the time and space to care for their mental well-being and should not be ashamed to do so, whether that means making time to see a psychologist or taking part in an activity such as surfing,” Chikli told participants.
The minister met dozens of soldiers, wounded veterans and participants in the organization’s programs before joining them in the water at the Gazebo club in Herzliya.
According to the organization, participants who served during the war have collectively accumulated more than 10,000 days of reserve duty.
Chikli, who served in the Golani Brigade and later as a company commander in the Egoz Unit, said the psychological burden placed on soldiers during the prolonged war required greater attention.
“Few people, and few generations, have been required to carry such an immense psychological burden on their shoulders over such long and sustained periods,” he said.
Surfing as part of rehabilitation
Hahazakim Mitgalim uses surfing and group activities as part of its work with soldiers dealing with physical and psychological injuries. Surf therapy has increasingly been used in Israel to help soldiers and veterans coping with trauma following the war.
“The association was born out of the understanding that rehabilitation is also about returning to life, to community, to friendship and to believing in yourself again,” chairman Udi Tenne, an IDF officer and wounded veteran, said.
“Surfing enables our fighters to face challenges, overcome fears and rediscover the strength within themselves.”
Chikli also met the organization’s CEO, Ohad Naymark, a former Shin Bet official, and Matanya Kordani, who heads its treatment program.
The minister praised the organization’s work, telling participants that “the spirit of King David and Bar Kokhba is revealed and strengthened through you.”
He also raised the possibility of holding a future activity bringing government ministers together with wounded soldiers and veterans through the organization’s programs.