The Shesek Program

The events of October 7th and the war that followed left thousands of Israelis wounded, many carrying invisible wounds and struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

In response, the Israel Social Security Development Fund (ISSDF) launched a national initiative to establish specialized trauma rehabilitation centers. Following a highly competitive selection process, the Israel ParaSport Center was chosen as one of only eight organizations nationwide— and the only one serving central Israel.

Rehabilitation. Sport. Community.

Shesek is the Hebrew acronym for Rehabilitation. Sport. Community. The Shesek program is The Center’s answer to this urgent need. Building on more than 65 years of expertise in rehabilitation through sport, Shesek helps people heal through movement, connection, & community—restoring confidence, resilience, & hope.

Trauma-Informed Physical Activity (TIPA)

At the heart of the program is the trauma-informed physical activity methodology in which all activities are tailored to participants’ specific trauma profile. Group size, group composition, and physical environment are adjusted to their unique needs.

Activities include hydrotherapy, swimming, adaptive fitness, Pilates, basketball, martial arts, running groups, & more.

Resilience Workshops

Following their physical activity sessions, participants join a group therapy session facilitated by a trained mental health professional. These sessions will help participants rebuild from trauma and form a supportive community.

Healing Families, Together

Trauma affects entire families. That’s why Shesek welcomes immediate family members as full participants, creating opportunities to heal together while strengthening the support systems that make recovery possible.

The ISSDF Matching Campaign

The Center has received a $1.3 million investment from ISSDF on the condition that we raise an additional $1.3 million towards the program.

Shesek is already welcoming participants. As it grows, Shesek will help hundreds of individuals and families heal, rebuild, and move forward through rehabilitation, sport, and community.