(Haipo) – 28 students recognized by the Ministry of Defense for post-traumatic stress disorder began their undergraduate studies in social sciences, majoring in community and society, at Gordon Academy yesterday (Wednesday, October 21, 2026). The studies are taking place at the Bat Galim Beach Sailing Club in Haifa, as part of the “choose life", which is designed to help wounded IDF and security forces men and women rehabilitate, acquire higher education, and build for themselves an employment horizon and a full life alongside their injury.
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An academic framework tailored to those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder
The program was launched in collaboration with the Haifa Rotary Foundation and the IDF Disabled Organization, based on the concept that rehabilitation does not end with treating an injury, but also includes the opportunity to learn, develop, acquire a profession, and reintegrate into work, family, and community life.
The track was built with the goal of allowing participants to study in a framework tailored to their needs, while receiving a support package that includes professional guidance, logistical assistance, and subsidies as needed. The goal is to reduce barriers that may make it difficult for post-trauma survivors to integrate into academic studies and enable each student to realize their abilities.
The classes take place at the sailing club on Bat Galim Beach.
The choice to hold the studies at the Bat Galim Beach Sailing Club was intended to offer participants a calm, safe, and inclusive learning environment. Alongside the academic framework, the group allows students to make connections, develop a sense of belonging, and support each other along the way.
The initiative is led by Dorit Tzemach, a graduate of the "Choose Life" program, who enlisted the program's management, the IDF Disabled Organization, and Academician Gordon to establish a dedicated study track for post-trauma survivors.
"True rehabilitation allows a person to build a future for themselves"
Shlomi Forman, Chairman of the Steering Committee of the “Choose Life” Program, said: “The opening of the program is much more than the beginning of academic studies. It is an expression of the concept that true rehabilitation allows a person to build a future for themselves, fulfill dreams and return to being an active part of the community. We want to prove that post-traumatic stress disorder does not have to be a barrier to education, employment and a full life. The connection between academia, the community and our partners allows us to create a real opportunity, with an envelope tailored to the needs of each and every one.”
"Even those who deal with post-traumatic stress deserve to dream and make it happen"
Dorit Tzemach, the program's initiator, She said that the initiative was born out of the belief that those dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder also deserve the opportunity to learn and fulfill themselves.
“It was important to me to harness all the factors that could make this dream a reality, and to build a framework that not only opens the doors of academia, but also gives students the support they need to walk through it with confidence,” said Tzemach. “I hope that this day is just the beginning of a new path that will allow many more to acquire an education, find meaning, and build their future.”
Next year: Expansion of activities at the Kishon Dock
The "Choose Life" program sees the academic track as part of a broad rehabilitation process, aimed at helping wounded IDF and security forces personnel dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder to rediscover their place in society.
According to the program's initiators, the success of the first cohort may allow for the opening of additional study tracks and the expansion of higher education options for post-trauma survivors in Haifa and the north. Next year, the program is also expected to open at the "Home Dock," which is currently being established at the Kishon Dock.