Orot’s Mission
The mission of Orot Healing is to provide compassionate healing and therapeutic experiences for survivors of the October 7 massacre and those living with trauma in its aftermath.
We are dedicated to fostering resilience and promoting emotional well-being through tailored support, empowering individuals on their journey toward reclaiming their inner light.
The Nova Festival Massacre
A Generation's Trauma
On October 7, thousands gathered at Nova Festival to celebrate peace, life, and love. In mere hours, that celebration turned to horror as Hamas terrorists murdered 364 innocent participants and barbarically harmed hundreds more, taking dozens of hostages. The survivors were left with unprecedented trauma that threatened to define their generation.
The healing of the Nova survivors became the healing of an entire generation.
Orot’s Response
In February 2024, we launched a healing initiative that brought 120 Nova survivors to Southern California for an intensive week of community and care. Many arrived alone, crushed by pain, guilt, and trauma. They left with over 100 new brothers and sisters who deeply understood their journey.
The Retreat Experience
The Orot Healing Retreat provided:
Therapeutic sessions and support from an Israeli therapy team
Healing practices including meditation, yoga, movement, and nature connection
Musical experiences, including a special Koolulam event
Idyllic spaces to feel a sense of safety
Community building activities
Nourishing food and loving care
Continuing therapeutic support in Israel
Ongoing close personal relationships and professional guidance from Orot Staff and volunteers
Impact
Survivors found a space where they could begin to process their experiences together. They rediscovered safety, rebuilt trust, developed new supportive relationships and took initial steps toward reclaiming their pre-October 7 hopes and dreams. The retreat showed the value of immersive, community-based healing approaches.
Building on Experience:
A New Vision for Healing
The Nova survivor retreat demonstrated how intensive healing in a supportive community can create meaningful change and lasting results. Now, as the war's impact continues to ripple through Israeli society, we're expanding this model to address an urgent new need. Combat soldiers and their families carry deep wounds that standard therapy alone cannot fully address. By combining our successful retreat model with Dr. Leetal Benzvi's trauma-informed expressive arts therapy, we've developed a comprehensive year-long program that extends beyond traditional therapeutic approaches.
