By Nativia Samuelsen

For decades, residents of Kibbutz Urim have lived under the constant threat of rocket and terror attacks from nearby Gaza, dangers that have deeply impacted the entire community. Those growing up as youngsters under this ever-present peril bear the scars of trauma. For these children, finding pathways to healing is essential.

Over recent years, the ICEJ has supported one such pathway – a therapeutic riding center at Kibbutz Urim where we have donated horses and riding equipment, as well as sponsored innovative therapy riding sessions for children and youth.

The use of zootherapy, where animals help people cope with emotional, psychological and even physical challenges, has proven incredibly effective. In addition to donating therapy horses “Andy” and “Deanna” to the Kibbutz Urim riding center, our sponsorship of riding sessions for children there have already helped countless youth regain trust in others. These horses offer a unique form of therapy that promotes calmness, reduces stress, and helps children reconnect with their emotions.

The need for this type of therapy has only grown in recent years, especially following the trauma of the October 7 massacres last year. Currently, 96 children are enjoying horse therapy lessons at the Urim ranch, and an additional 84 children are on the waiting list.

In response to this growing demand, our newest donation at the Urim riding center is Marty, a 4-year-old Appaloosa mix. His trainer Oded recently explained why Marty is such a good fit for Urim’s horse ranch.

“Besides the fact that he’s already trained for therapeutic work, he is strong but gentle natured and not too big, which makes him perfect for working with children of all ages. His relaxed temperament helps calm nervous children,” he related.

Marty has already been helping some 15-to-18 children each week with riding lessons and outdoor treks. 

Alongside the riding therapy, the Urim ranch has a new vision to restore and expand its petting zoo. This Animal Corner was once a thriving and popular place for children from throughout the Negev, but it has since become neglected and fallen out of daily use, in part because of Covid and then the war. So, there is much excitement in the community to restore and expand the petting zoo to make it into a more welcoming and effective place for trauma therapy.

This vision was first set in motion by Yoel Zeigler, who founded the Animal Corner in 1970. Yoel, now 96, remains involved with caring for the few remaining animals each morning. He remembers the early days when children helped build the first enclosures out of repurposed metal boxes from the kibbutz factory.

“Nothing here cost money,” Yoel proudly stated. “We just made it work.”

Now, with the kibbutz’s new initiative to revive the Animal Corner, the next generation is stepping up to carry the torch. One kibbutz member who grew up with the animals remembers the corner in its prime.

“We dreamed that we would pass this on to our children,” he said. “Now, my son doesn’t want to leave. He wants to stay in the kibbutz and see the corner come back to life.”

The efforts to rebuild the Animal Corner are well underway, but there is still much to do. The vision is clear: a fully restored space where children can come, connect with a variety of friendly animals, and thereby find the healing they need. With the help of Christians from around the world, this dream is sure to become a reality.

Marty’s arrival marks just the beginning of this exciting new phase for Kibbutz Urim. His calming presence and gentle nature are already making a difference, but the work to restore and expand the Animal Corner is ongoing.

By connecting with animals like the ICEJ’s therapy horses Marty, Andy and Deanna, traumatised Israeli children are learning to trust again, find calm, and heal. We hope our support for the Urim horse ranch and animal corner will allow many more youngsters find the innocence and joy of childhood again. Join us in this effort by giving to our Israel in Crisis fund.

Donate today at:  help.icej.org/crisis

Main photo: ICEJ staff member with the ICEJ’s new horse ‘Marty’.