The Back to Life Farm

A Healing Home for Veterans and Animals

The Back to Life Farm

A Healing Home for Veterans and Animals

Welcome to the Back to Life Farm in Kibbutz Sdot Yam. Our farm was founded to serve as a home for veterans—men and women—who are grappling with their experiences from their military service. Here, veterans have the opportunity to provide care and rehabilitation to animals that have endured abuse or neglect. Spread across nine lush, tranquil acres, our beautiful farm is home to over 200 animals—including horses, donkeys, dogs, livestock, and birds. We offer numerous therapeutic zones, such as modern psychotherapy clinics, a therapeutic vegetable garden, a unique art greenhouse, a woodworking workshop, a yoga studio, Tai Chi classes, and more.

We do not require a diagnosis or documentation. Any veteran who feels the need to tend to their soul is welcome to come and become part of our healing space. All treatments are free of charge.

Join Our Community

Amir (“Dani”) Yardenai — 1987–2024

Dani was a “super soldier,” the sharp shooter of our team in Egoz, he possessed a beautiful soul. In 2014, during Operation Protective Edge, Amir entered with a reserve force to rescue a severely wounded unit commander. Three days later, he led a mission to retrieve the “burned APC” of Battalion 13, which had been struck by an RPG in Shuja'iya. Seven soldiers perished in that tragedy, and Dani was the one who opened the APC’s hatch—and witnessed what lay inside. In the years that followed, he suffered from severe post-traumatic stress as a result of these experiences. His mental state deteriorated due to extreme distress, and on February 5, 2024, Dani took his own life. He left behind a three-line note on his parents’ kitchen counter:

“It’s too much for me. I couldn’t have asked for a better family. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Back to Life Farm was established to do everything possible to prevent the next “Dani” and to be there for all those continuing to carry the aftermath of battle.

Our Activities

Animal-Assisted Recovery

Our farm takes in dogs facing euthanasia, as well as donkeys and horses rescued from situations of neglect or abuse. Veterans are paired with an animal and embark on a shared journey of healing together.

Individual Psychotherapy

A multidisciplinary therapeutic team—comprising psychologists and clinical social workers specializing in trauma—guides participants through a comprehensive treatment program.

Group Therapy

You are not alone in this. At the farm, we emphasize the power of connection and the healing that comes from being with others who have endured similar experiences.

Trauma‐Informed Yoga

In our beautiful, air-conditioned studio, we hold yoga-therapy sessions tailored specifically for trauma survivors, led by our wonderful instructors.

Therapeutic Gardening

Always wanted to grow your own veggies for your salad? With us, it’s possible. A spacious vegetable garden is waiting for you to dig, plant, nurture – and then enjoy the harvest.

Art Therapy

Within a magical greenhouse filled with plants and color, we offer an art workshop that nurtures the soul through creation.

Woodworking Therapy

Got good hands—or even if you don’t—you’re invited to try your hand at woodworking under the guidance of our volunteers. Maybe you’ll even bring something beautiful home.

Ceramics Workshops

Ever worked with a kiln? Clay is a unique medium—one that always allows for repair. Come create, touch, and fire your next favorite mug.

Tai Chi Workshops

This ancient Chinese martial art emphasizes slow, flowing movement, mindful breathing, and meditation in motion. In our Tai Chi classes, we work on connecting body and mind, reducing anxiety, and strengthening inner resilience.

?How You Can Help

Donate

Your contribution allows us to continue supporting hundreds of veterans and dozens of rescued animals.

Reach Those in Need

Is your nephew returning from Gaza but not the same person? Perhaps a friend is suffering from outbursts or anxiety? Reach out to us—we can help.
We also welcome information about animals in urgent need of rescue.

Volunteer at the Farm

Are you a therapist, veterinarian, artist, yoga instructor, carpenter, gardener, animal lover – or simply a helpful human being? We need you on our team.

Our Team

Assaf Nave

Founder, CEO & Director of Operations
(MBA, INSEAD), former company commander (reserves)

Chen Schatzberger

Co-founder, Program Director, Entrepreneur & Lecturer in Economics at University of Haifa and Galilee College (volunteer)

Guy Fluman

Professional Director, Psychologist specializing in trauma therapy

Michal Snitzki

Program Therapist (volunteer)

Dr. Kobi Lavi

Farm Veterinarian (volunteer)

Merav Ronal

Legal Counsel (volunteer)

Yaniv Nuni

Accountant (volunteer)

Yali Shapira

K9 Therapist (volunteer)

Hodaya Amiel

Volunteer Coordinator (volunteer)

Shira Rafalovich

Media Manager (volunteer)

Linor Reuven

Social Media Manager (volunteer)

Noam Romak

Gardener & Hydroponics Systems Lead (volunteer)