Established in 2016, the mission of Waves of Hope is to rehabilitate high-risk and disengaged religious and Haredi youth through surfing. Sea sports are used as a tool throughout the world to help treat youth at risk who have fallen into the world of delinquency. However, in Israel, it is an amazement to see religious boys and girls surfing – a sport so remote from their daily life. Eliyou Ben Zion, a former Israeli surfing champion, who became religious, brought this sport into the world of religious youth at-risk to change the course of their lives. By learning to master the waves and the obstacles of the sea, participants build resilience to cope with their problems, feel more positive about themselves and rebuild self-worth. This process builds determination and persistence – valuable skills for adulthood. Surfing also brings the healing power of nature and the blue sea. Both the process of surfing and the supportive culture that is created through counseling, mentoring and peer networks lead participants to develop a positive and optimistic outlook on life.
Our 3-month rehabilitation program serves girls and boys (ages 14-18) who are referred by municipal social services from all over the country - Jerusalem, Modiin, Modiin Ilit, Beit Shemesh, Petach Tikvah, Bnei Brak, Ashdod, Elad and Judea and Samaria. Activities are held at the beach in Bat Yam and include transportation. Surfing instructors offer a listening ear, help participants process their experiences and how these experiences can be applied to everyday life situations, and encourage sharing and self-reflection. Once the program concludes, participants are encouraged to continue surfing and improve their skills, join our alumni community and benefit from informal peer support. We also offer employment opportunities for graduates as instructors or training assistants. Each year approximately 300 youth participate in the program, which is partially funded by municipal authorities.