Professor Dan Shechtman
About Us
Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide rapid, effective psychological support to large populations of Israeli children affected by recent war-induced trauma.
Our unique process utilizes a specially-designed huggable doll that, coupled with a distinct therapy process, promotes directed engagement by parents, caregivers, and educators with the affected child. The therapy is designed to empower the child to address and overcome fears and concerns in a manner proven to reduce distress and anxiety, while promoting resilience and emotional well-being.
Importantly, the therapy allows for the identification of children needing additional care in a non-stigmatizing manner. Those children will then be targeted to receive subsidized professional psychological and psychiatric treatment, aimed at preventing long-term mental health issues and supporting healthy development.
We are committed to cultural sensitivity, evidence-based practices, and ongoing research to continually improve our methods and outcomes.
Leadership & Medical Board
Chaiman of the Board
Nobel Laureate Chemistry 2011
Professor Shechtman was awarded the 2011 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for the discovery of quasicrystals, making him one of six Israelis who have won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
He believes in the power of early education and wellbeing of children and has always been very active to promote these areas.
Michael Oren
Chairman of International Board
American-Israeli diplomat, essayist, historian, novelist, and politician. He is a former Israeli ambassador to the United States (2009–2013), and a former Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Office. Active advocate of the state of Isreal and commentator on all major international and national Media.
Dr. Shai Hen-Gal
Head of Hibuki therapy Program
Chief Psychologist - Amal Group. Wrote many books and articles on children in stress and trauma situations. Developed Hibuki intervention and has been at the head of it for the last decade.
Avi Bnayahu
Media & Strategy Counselor former Israel Defense Forces Spokesperson
Brigadier General. He previously served as an advisor to Prime Ministers and Ministers of Defense, and in a long series of journalistic and spokeswoman positions.
Rotem Shitreet
Training Manager MSW
Specialist therapist in the treatment of children in trauma situations. Managed several frameworks that dealt with the care of children at risk.
Currently manages the Hibuki activity in the south.
Liora Kalish
Director Resource Development
Have been involved in philanthropy and Israeli NGO for more than 25 years. Among others: The Technion, Bnai-Zion Medical Center, The Reali School, The Technoda.
In the past several years founded and Directed ISRAELTEENTECH- the international competition for young entrepreneurs.
About Telem
Telem is the largest Israeli NGO association in the field of mental health care. It includes over 500 psychologists and social workers, who every year provide treatments to tens of thousands of patients in about 15 centers across the country.
Among its main clients:
- HMO's
- Israel Police
- Fire Brigade
- Government ministries (health, education and welfare)
- Academies
- Municipalities
- And many business entities.