By: Nativia Samuelsen

In the heart of the parched Negev desert, where the stark landscape seems inhospitable, a special place of hope and healing has sprung up amid Israel’s current war. The Lahav Farm is transforming the lives of war trauma victims through farming and animal therapy, and the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem has been there from the start, helping to pioneer this unique place of refuge and recovery from the conflict.

Shortly after the war broke out last October 7, the ICEJ learned of this innovative project, never before seen in Israel, and began supporting it. Their vision was to bring to life the promise of Isaiah 35:6: “For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.”

Now known as Lahav Farm, the project is led by Nir, who sought to bring healing to those traumatized by the war by getting them closer to nature, by working the land and interacting with docile animals.

Upon visiting the farm, the serene atmosphere and variety of animals on-site instantly gave the ICEJ team a sense of peace and rest. Dogs, sheep, and even a peacock wander freely, each adding to the calming ambience.

While touring the farm, we noticed a beautiful horse. We found out the horse had escaped from Gaza and found refuge at the farm. Nir explained that the horse’s initial condition – bloodshot eyes and a swaying neck – mirrored the trauma symptoms seen in people when they first come to the farm. However, given a safe space to relax and rest, the spooked horse soon calmed down, taking a deep, peaceful breath. This touching moment resembles the process war trauma victims often go through in this special place of both solitude and community.

“Coming here has been a lifeline. The peace and support I’ve found at the farm have helped me start to rebuild my life after the trauma I experienced,” said a first-responder from Sderot. 

The trauma treatment program at Lahav Farm is noted for its innovative and adaptive approach. A visionary, Nir, has not rested for a moment. While still developing Lahav Farm, he already has two similar farms underway in the Gaza border region. Each farm aims to reach specific target groups, such as survivors of the Nova music festival massacre or kibbutz terror assaults, or emergency first-responders and security personnel experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder following their heroic actions on and since October 7.

The farms offer a variety of activities designed to help participants reconnect with themselves and their loved ones. Being out in nature and working with the animals, hiking, gardening, and creative projects like building benches and planting trees become more than just activities. They are pathways to healing, resilience, hope and recovery.

“We are teaching people how to deal with grief, loss, and anger,” explained Amir, the clinical and farm manager. “It’s about learning to live life after trauma. They need to learn how to live again after October 7. We’ve stopped talking about that day, unless they want or need to. We focus on the present and future, helping people move forward.” 

The ICEJ was the first to support therapeutic retreats at Lahav Farm which has now impacted some 1000 individuals from emergency first response teams, medical teams, NOVA festival survivors and more.

The farms have provided not only immediate relief but also a deep sense of community among participants.

“Many didn’t believe in the original idea, but ICEJ did,” said Nir. “You were the first to support us, and much of what’s happening here is because of you.” 

Nir’s journey with the farm is deeply personal. His work is intertwined with his own healing process from a traumatic experience he had eight years ago when he lost two of his friends sitting on either side of him in a terrorist attack. His dedication stems from an awareness that his life was spared for a purpose. Having experienced trauma himself, he has empathy for every person who steps onto the farm.

“We must deal with hope and the future,” Nir stated. “We need to move on for everyone’s sake. This farm is not just a place of healing for others but also for me. It’s a symbol of resilience and hope.” 

“The most talking we do is by the fireplace at night, with the stars shining above and the sound of a crackling fire,” Nir added, pointing to a fire pit surrounded by blankets and pillows left from the night before. “It is there that a unique openness falls, allowing people to share traumatic memories that still linger in their personalities, in their fears and struggles.”

The success of the Lahav Farm has prompted plans for expansion. Two new farms are being set up in the Gaza border region. Despite challenges like delayed shipments and the need for more resources, the team remains committed to their mission.

“We want this to be a sustainable, long-term solution,” Nir assured.

As these farms continue to grow and evolve, the vision is clear: to create enduring places of all-inclusive trauma treatment that can serve as models for the healing of Israelis sorely impacted by war and terror.

Please continue to support the ICEJ’s urgent relief projects during this time of crisis for Israel. Donate today at: give.icej.org/crisis

Photos: ICEJ

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