By: ICEJ Australia
Australian Donated Therapy Horse Helping Lives
Australia’s connection to Israel runs very deep. Aussie blood was spilt, and lives were sacrificed during the miraculous victory in October 1917 – the last great calvary charge in history – which saw the Land of Israel liberated. This paved the way for the re-birth of modern-day Israel and the return of her rightful inhabitants to the land. Australian and New Zealand horses were the heroes of these daring battles, and the capture of Beersheba by the Australian Light Horse Brigade has become the stuff of legends. Now, a horse gifted by Australia will play its part in the rehabilitation of damaged minds from the events of October 7, 2023.
Marty, a four-year-old part Appaloosa, represents ICEJ Australia in Israel’s south. He carries our love and concern for the residents of this region who faced invasion, horror and loss on the worst day in modern Israel’s history. ICEJ Australia provided funds to purchase Marty from a farm in Samaria and to join the team at the Equine Therapy Program at Kibbutz Urim, which provides healing for many traumatised victims, including children. Many of those coming to the centre for therapeutic horse-riding lessons experienced the events of that Black Sabbath firsthand.
Trainer Oded told Nicole Yoder, ICEJ Aid Director, that Marty is just right for what they need right now: “He is strong, not small but built well for this task. The width of the back is important, it mustn’t be too wide, nor too narrow. He has a good size and can carry a wide age-range. Most importantly, he is very relaxed and quiet which is needed for work with children.
The horses work from 1.5 to 3 hours per day, enough for 2 to 3 lessons. The group sessions are 2 hours. The individual sessions were 30 minutes, but they are now increasing them to 50 minutes because of the need. ICEJ Aid has helped to subsidise the extra 20 minutes since some families can’t afford the extra cost. Marty is currently helping about 15-18 kids a week.
The Canadian and Switzerland ICEJ Branches had also donated horses to the same Program, and Australia was thrilled to add another horse to this important and effective therapy treatment.
Kibbutz Urim was founded on 6 October 1946 by young Jews from Bulgaria, and were later joined by North American members. The name Urim means lights and is located near the border of the Gaza Strip, about 30 kilometres west of Beersheba. The kibbutz falls under the jurisdiction of Eshkol Regional Council.
But Australia’s gift goes even further. It was able to provide funds for an extra riding arena which is required to due to the growth of the project.
The events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent war, have left Israelis grappling with mental and emotional distress, and many forms of therapy are being implemented to assist them in recovery. ICEJ Aid has contributed to various therapeutic programs and ICEJ Australia have been significant donors to these projects.
Today, you can bring much needed liberation through horses! Help us sponsor more riding programs and assist in the upkeep of these beautiful horses at Kibbutz Urim, only a few kilometres from the Gaza border where they are supporting the survivors of October 7, bringing so much hope and healing through the Equine Trauma Therapy program.
