Danny’s Farm: A Haven for Healing in the Wake of October 7

We tend to think of the victims of October 7th as those who were brutally murdered or taken hostage into Gaza. But the painful reality is that the impact of that day was far more pervasive. Israel is now facing an unprecedented mental health crisis as soldiers, survivors, families of victims, and those who witnessed atrocities are trying to cope with the horrors they endured as a result of the attack.

Special Ops Officer Nati recalls, “The first mission was to collect the bodies of the dead people from the kibbutz and all over the place. I realized there’s something wrong with me. All the names, all the people, all the bodies run after me in my dreams.”

Nati, Special Ops Officer (Courtesy of Gil Somekh)

Nati’s story is just one of many. Countless Israelis are now living with debilitating memories they can’t escape, having experienced a trauma most people can’t begin to imagine.

That’s where Danny’s Farm comes in.

THE ORIGIN OF DANNY’S FARM

Danny Stirin endured his own mental health crisis when the death of his father triggered painful memories from his military service, preventing him from functioning. In an effort to heal, Danny spent three months in the forest with his horse and dog—a transformative experience that resulted in a dramatic shift in his life’s trajectory.

He explains, “Over there I just had my change of thinking and living, and I decided that I will dedicate my life to this. The mission of my life since then is just to help people to have a really deep mental and emotional recovery like I did.”

Danny Stirin, Founder/Owner of Danny’s Farm (Courtesy of Gil Somekh)

Danny bought a piece of land in Central Israel twelve years ago, and Danny’s Farm was born. The resilience farm offers trauma and PTSD treatment in the form of holistic healing and equine and music therapy, with treatments facilitated by Israel’s leading mental health specialists.

THE FARM JOURNEY

Danny’s Farm has implemented a specialized “Farm Journey” program intended specifically for veterans suffering from PTSD. The six-month program provides a community for those who have been through similar experiences, as they participate in all aspects of the farm with one another (group therapies, meals, even just walking barefoot in their beautiful surroundings).

Danny reports good results from the program, noting that participants don’t lose ties with the farm upon completion—they maintain a connection and join the larger community of people who have come out the other side. “The farm is open for everybody,” Danny says. “Each time somebody comes here, they find a friend—somebody who listens, somebody to hug. They feel this is their home…and they are finding their new way to be much stronger.”

Danny’s Farm (Courtesy of Gil Somekh)

ADAPTING TO A POST-OCTOBER 7 WORLD

There’s currently an unparalleled number of people in need of these services, with the farm supporting 300-400 people daily—but funding can’t keep up with the demand. Danny says, “Since the 7th of October, we are working around the clock. Many, many people need us…they need to come here to find the sources to get back to life.”

Danny continues, “We’re located now in the center of the conversation in Israel. We are recognized as a resilience farm from the Ministry of Defense, but they finance the program itself in a very limited way. So we need to be much stronger financially, and we are trying to do that.”

While Danny admits it’s not in his comfort zone to rely on donations, he believes in his mission and hopes to find people who understand how essential the farm is for those who need it. He says, “We need support from people…we are looking for our angels who can be a part of this important place.”

Danny’s Farm (Courtesy of Gil Somekh)

I think of the people I’ve learned about over the last year and a half, and pray they’re able to heal from the trauma they’ve endured.

I think of the volunteers tasked with sorting through the belongings left behind at the Nova Music Festival, in a logistics center that came to be known as the “Death Warehouses.”

I think of Eitan, a 12-year-old who was held hostage for 52 days—forced to watch videos of terrorists killing Israelis, and witnessing other atrocities right in front of his eyes.

I think of 16-year-old Rotem, who became orphaned in an instant as terrorists opened fire in his room, his mother lying on top of him and ultimately saving his life.

I think of Yael, an 11-year-old who witnessed the murder of her sister and the abduction of her father (who would not return alive), all while terrorists live-streamed the horrors on her mother’s phone.

I think of Elinor, who hid inside a fridge at the Nova Festival—hearing people being murdered all around her and nearly suffocating waiting for help to arrive.

I think of Eitan, who survived a targeted assault in a roadside shelter with people he thought were playing dead…only to realize he was sitting in a pile of bodies.

I think of Yarden, whose life will never be the same.

I think of Nati, whose job was to collect the bodies of those who were slaughtered.

I think of Yanir as he says, “I’m trying to come back to my life.” Danny’s Farm is helping him do that, along with so many others.

Yanir, IDF Armored Corps (Courtesy of Gil Somekh)

Danny sums it up perfectly: “Israel is writing its history at this exact moment in time. This generation of soldiers, students and victims is the country’s future. We must provide what they need so they can be healthy and thrive.”

This is our family, our community, our tribe—and right now they’re struggling to cope with unimaginable trauma. Let us embrace the mitzvah of giving tzedakah for this very worthy cause, and help Danny’s Farm provide these heroes with the vital treatment they need to come back to their lives.

Am Yisrael Chai.

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To make a tax-deductible donation to Danny’s Farm, click here.

To get in touch with Danny’s Farm, visit the website or call +972 52 532 6161.