Learning Library

Meet the people leading the HIBUKI project, the Israeli therapeutic organization helping children heal from severe trauma through an ingenious tool: a stuffed animal that invites a hibuk—Hebrew for “hug.”

After earning international recognition for its work with children in Ukraine, Venezuela and other crisis zones, HIBUKI is now addressing the invisible wounds carried by Israeli children since October 7 and the wars that followed. Its network of psychologists also serves children in Palestinian communities within Israel and is exploring a collaboration with the Gaza Children’s Village to reach children in Gaza.

Dr. Shai Hen-Gal is a prominent clinical psychologist, child-trauma expert, and creator of the internationally recognized HIBUKI method. Gavri Bargil, Reserve Brigade Commander, was the head of the Kibbutz movement for a decade and also served as chair of the board of Oranim College; he joined the HIBUKI team after October 7th.

Please join us for a conversation about their latest challenges, scaling and successes as they seek to ensure that traumatized children receive appropriate mental-health care, and how something as simple as a sad-faced stuffed animal and a hug can open a path toward therapy, comfort, resilience, and healing—for children and adults alike.

See their website to learn more: Home – Hibuki

See Dr. Hen-Gal’s slides HERE.