HaGal Sheli Shmulik Tzevion Educational center- Kiryat Yam

“All a child needs is one adult to believe in him” - Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach The late Shmulik Zevion was exactly this adult. Shmulik dedicated his life to boys and girls who simply needed someone to believe in them, and open the door to a better future. As a lieutenant colonel in the Israeli Navy, and a brilliant hi-tech entrepreneur, Shmulik dedicated his life to giving back to society, realizing the inherent potential in every boy and girl. He left a promising career and began teaching a “courage” class for “challenging students” at a school in Kiryat Yam, where he served as an anchor for youth. One morning, Shmulik went on a swim, from which he did not return. A heart attack suddenly cut short Shmulik’s mission of giving back, leaving all those he directly impacted stunned and heartbroken. Shmulik’s friends and family discussed how to commemorate his legacy and cherish his memory. With a heavy heart, they chose to fulfill his vision to integrate the sea with the strong values that guided him all his life. Shmulik's friends approached “HaGal Sheli”, a nonprofit which teaches, mentors, and empowers at-risk youth through surfing and facing the challenges of the sea and waves. “HaGal Sheli” promotes the same values ​​that guided Shmulik throughout his lifetime, combining the passion for the sea with the belief that everyone has the ability to succeed and overcome any challenge. “HaGal Sheli”, friends of Shmulik, and the Kiryat Yam Municipality, have joined together in a special partnership, uniting around one common goal - to establish an educational surf center honoring Shmulik Zevion’s memory and goal to use the sea as an empowering educational tool for youth. Together, we will provide an opportunity for at-risk youth to “catch the wave” to a better life.