Help us Bring Israeli Soldiers and survivors to America to Heal, Recover, and Grow in Art Therapeutic Residency Program. These young soldiers and survivors deserve a second chance at life. Our trauma-informed residency program equips them with the tools to properly heal and rebuild their lives through art. *For safety reasons, full names are not shared publicly and can be provided through private communication.

For many soldiers and survivors, the end of the war only marks the beginning of the most difficult challenges they will face. Shahaf (22), Yosef (22), Ariel (23), and Sheli (30) are soldiers whose lives were profoundly changed by the war. After facing unimaginable trauma, including life-altering physical injuries, loss of close friends, & close encounters with death, living a normal life has been a nearly impossible feat. These former soldiers need support to live a life that isn’t defined by their trauma: a life of purpose, creativity, and meaning. Our program exists to give them the tools to do just that.

Their stories:

Shahaf, 22, served in the Nahal Brigade

His story: Shahaf experienced repeated combat trauma, including the loss of close friends and multiple close encounters with death. His battle with PTSD took over in the middle of his service, where he was eventually discharged because of his debilitating symptoms. Since leaving the army 2 years ago, his trauma has left him stuck, depressed, and without purpose in life. Tomer met him at a trauma retreat in New Mexico and immediately connected with him, identifying a promising creative side. Described as quiet, receptive, and curious, Shahaf will learn the art of tattoo design, which he’ll use to build his life upon after the program.

Yosef, 22, Golani Brigade

His story: Yosef was injured twice in combat, landing him in critical condition in a hospital due to shrapnelshtapnel in his neck. Between the physical limitations and residual PTSD from his service, Yosef has felt hopeless, with art as the only thing that has given him a sliver of purpose. Born to a religious family in Jerusalem, Yosef has been painting since he was a little kid, and possesses an innate passion and devotion to his art. With the support of our program, art can be the light to lead him out of the darkness.

Sheli, 30, Armored Corps - Unit 401

His story: Sheli, a multidisciplinary artist from Haifa, left behind his business and family life to serve over 550 days in reserve duty as a combat officer. He experienced prolonged combat stress and the loss of close friends and commanders, which resulted in severe PTSD. Art, however, has been a tool for him to recover. Rather than collapsing inward under the weight of grief and trauma, I chose to translate these experiences into meaningful creative work,” he expressed. He hopes to move through his recovery process with more structure and intention through the 8 Project, where he hopes to rebuild what he’s lost through art.

Ariel, 23, Givati Brigade

His story: Ariel served in active combat and is coping with severe PTSD and persistent triggers that continue to affect his daily life. Between his firsthand exposure to the horrors of October 7th to his face-to-face combat with Hamas terrorists in his service, his flashbacks have been debilitating, and he hasn't been able to move through them. Art is the only hope that can help.

Netanel, 24, Egoz unit

Netanel served as a combat soldier in the Egoz Unit from 2021 to 2024 and is currently receiving treatment through Israel’s Ministry of Defense. On October 7, he fought at the Kissufim outpost, where his team retook the base from Hamas militants and rescued the female soldiers inside. Three members of his team were killed and four were wounded. By the end of the day, only six of thirteen remained standing. He continued fighting in Gaza for six more months and later in reserve duty in Lebanon. The war did not end when he left the battlefield.

Raz, 30, October 7 survivor from Sderot

Raz survived the horrific attack on October 7 in Sderot. She moved to Italy to escape the trauma and pursue art - but instead faced antisemitism that intensified the wounds she was trying to heal.

They all need this program to regain structure, restore stability, and rebuild the parts of themselves the war disrupted.

Our Therapeutic Residency Program Transforms Trauma into Creative Healing

The residency is an intensive, trauma-informed program lasting 1–3 months, depending on each participant’s needs and readiness. While art is the core tool, the program integrates multiple therapeutic modalities led by experienced professionals. It is designed for individuals who arrive without structure or routine, with the goal of rebuilding stability and a functional return to everyday life. The program follows a rehabilitation-style schedule, with five days a week of structured work, approximately ten hours per day, creating consistency, accountability, and momentum. The focus is on addressing PTSD with the explicit aim of post-traumatic growth (PTG). Built by a team of therapists and individuals with lived trauma experience, the residency is highly focused, directing the organization’s full resources to one participant at a time, and has demonstrated a success rate of over 80%.

Why We Run This Program Outside of Israel

For many soldiers and survivors, healing within Israel’s current reality is extremely difficult. Medical and mental health systems are overwhelmed, and daily life remains shaped by constant alert and pressure. Bringing participants outside of Israel provides distance from ongoing stress, a calmer daily rhythm, and the ability to process experience without urgency or expectation - conditions that are often not available at home.

Where the Money Goes

Contributions directly support the full residency experience, including:

Safe housing and daily stability
Studio space and art materials
Trauma-informed mentorship
Tailored therapeutic support plans
Program coordination and participant care

Each element is essential to creating a protected, stable environment where recovery can begin.

The 8 Project’s Unique Approach - Built from Lived Experiences

The 8 Project is not designed for everyone. We carefully curate participants who have a natural pull toward creation, because for these individuals, art becomes a more accessible language than conversation alone. As participants begin to succeed creatively, they experience tangible progress - confidence grows, emotional regulation improves, and they start to see what life can look like when trauma is expressed and transformed into something meaningful. Our mentors and facilitators have lived experience with PTSD themselves, creating a level of understanding, trust, and communication that cannot be replicated in traditional clinical settings.

About the Founder of The 8 Project

The 8 Project was founded by Tomer Peretz, an artist and former combat soldier whose understanding of trauma comes from lived experience. During his military service, Tomer was exposed to combat-related trauma that later shaped his personal and artistic journey. Through art, he found a structured way to process PTSD, regain stability, and rebuild identity - long before it became the foundation of this program. His experience as both a soldier and a trauma survivor informs every aspect of The 8 Project, ensuring the residency is grounded, demanding, and deeply respectful of what participants carry.

About the Team of The 8 Project

The 8 Project team is made up of artists, mentors, and professionals who bring both clinical training and lived experience with trauma. Many on the team have navigated PTSD themselves, allowing for a level of understanding and communication that goes beyond theory. This shared language creates trust, accountability, and depth, and enables the team to guide participants through an intensive, structured process with clarity and care. The program is led by people who understand transformation not as an idea, but as a lived process.

After the War: A Therapeutic Residency program for Israeli Soldiers

By Peretz Foundation

After the War: A Therapeutic Residency program for Israeli Soldiers

A trauma-informed residency offering space to recover, process, and rebuild after combat.

Team Members