Behind the sandy iron red rolling hills in Israel's southern desert, you'll find a horse named Be'eri. Born just over a year ago, Be'eri is playing a leading role in treating the emotional trauma and mental health needs of Israelis affected by October 7.
Even the famous "Mr. Ed" has nothing on Be'eri. The young horse is part of a unique Jewish National Fund-USA-supported equine therapy program that uses horses to help adults and children deal with mental health challenges.
The program forms a crucial part of Jewish National Fund-USA's "Circle of Impact," whereby each program, initiative, and project plays a part in the organization's broader strategy of driving population growth in Israel's North and South.
Jewish National Fund-USA's is attracting 800,000 new residents to Israel frontier regions by providing employment opportunities, essential amenities such as medical centers and mental health programs, and more. When potential new residents see that they can have the same or even higher standard of living in Israel's north and south because of what Jewish National Fund-USA has provided, the move away from Israel's central cities just makes sense.
Named after Kibbutz Be'eri that was devestated by the October 7 tragedy, the horse symbolizes that people of Israel's eternal ability to heal and rebuild.
"When children come to this equine therapy program, they bring with them a lot of mental health challenges to solve," explained a program leader. "It's amazing the impact and connection these kids make with our beautiful horses and how they leave after each therapy center with a new, healthier disposition."
For more information, visit jnf.org/disabilities.
