Join Us for an Evening with HaGal Sheli (My Wave)
Tuesday, November 12 | 7:30 PM
Beth Am Synagogue | 2501 Eutaw Place, Baltimore

Meet Yaron Waksman and Baltimore-native Ephy Shapiro of HaGal Sheli (My Wave), one of Israel’s leading mental health organizations. Since 2012, HaGal Sheli has helped over 17,500 trauma survivors and at-risk youth through evidence-based therapy combined with the healing power of surfing.

Learn how their award-winning model, recognized with the President of Israel’s Volunteering Award, is rebuilding lives in Gaza Envelope communities and supporting released hostages, festival survivors, and security forces. Discover how the Baltimore Jewish community is joining this vital rebuilding effort.

Bios

Yaron Waksman, HaGal Sheli (My Wave) Co-founder & CEO
Yaron Waksman is a passionate ocean enthusiast and dedicated surfer who co-founded HaGal Sheli to empower at-risk youth and trauma survivors through surfing. With over 15 years of experience as a certified surfing instructor and lifeguard, Yaron holds a master’s degree from Tel Aviv University’s Department of Policy and Administration in Education and an official teaching certificate. He graduated with distinction from the Center for Empathy in Education and Society at Kibbutzim College, Tel Aviv.

Yaron is a member of the Maoz leadership program and an alum of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). He has been recognized as Keshet's "Hero of the Year" and awarded the esteemed title of "Yakir Ha'eir" in Bat Yam. In 2024, he was named one of Yediot Ahronot’s "People of the Year" and accepted the President of Israel's Award for Volunteering alongside HaGal Sheli Co-founder and Pedagogical Director Omer Tulchinski, for contributing to the resilience of Israeli society during the Iron Swords War.

Ephy Shapiro, International Partnership Director
Baltimore-native and Beth Tfiloh graduate ('08), Ephy made Aliyah in 2012 with Garin Tzabar to Kibbutz Urim in the Gaza Envelope, where he served in the Intelligence Corps. An enthusiastic surfer, sailor, and diver, he has long found solace and refuge in the sea. Ephy holds a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Arabic and a master’s degree in Marine Archaeology. After years of service in the defense sector, he has dedicated himself to the nonprofit world, striving to make a lasting positive impact on Israeli society by harnessing the educational and therapeutic power of the sea and surfing.