Since October 7th
Geerz has...
Soldier Program
Geerz moms from Shavei Darom reached out to Geerz:
The groups for their children had done so much for their kids. Could we help their husbands? They’ve been in reserves for 300+ days. They are struggling to get back to themselves.
These are the fathers and husbands who risked all to protect all our families, all our homes - not just theirs.
All of us at Geerz resounded one unified answered:
“Yes. We’ll be there.”
This spring, Geerz piloted its first Soldier Program in Shavei Darom.
The returning soldiers finally felt progress & finally felt supported.
They need us. And we are ready.
More Information
Reservists and first responders are welcome to request the program to launch in their community.
For more information to bring a group to your community, please contact: rhea@geerz.org
For more information about sponsoring the Soldier program, please contact: tobey@geerz.org.
In March 2025, Geerz piloted its Soldier Program in Shavei Darom with 8 reservists living on the Gaza border. After just 4 weeks of weekly 90-minute rides with a Geerz guide leading a discussion, 100% of the participants felt the sessions were helping them and wanted to continue.
The Geerz Soldier Program will provide therapeutic mountain biking lessons to soldiers and first responders struggling to reintegrate after their service.
The program will include weekly 90-minute riding sessions for up to 15 soldiers led by a trauma-informed guide that combines biking skills, challenge, personal development, and nature exposure.
A psychologist and an active IDF reservist, was brought on board as the professional consultant for the program designed to create an immediate intervention as well as a lifelong tool to cope and improve their well-being.
Brought Day Programs to Displaced Youth
.jpeg)
With bikes, helmets, courses, and stunt equipment, Geerz staff spent the first few weeks after October 7th running therapeutic biking programs for displaced youth at several locations housing evacuees. In an effort to help them start the long process toward normalcy and security, we set up courses for the children to build confidence and resilience in their abilities.
Increased Training for our Staff &
Updated Our Curriculum to Reflect Current Realities
Geerz has greatly enhanced staff training to enable our professionals to properly address PTSD, anxieties, and trauma brought on by the war. Our educational staff has worked to customize the Geerz curriculum to focus on social and emotional learning directly relevant to the aftermath of October 7th.
.jpeg)
Established Weekly Programs for
Evacuated Youth
.jpeg)
After running successful day programs for displaced youth and garnering overwhelmingly positive feedback, Geerz launched 4 new therapeutic riding groups for the Ethiopian community of Ibim evacuated to Nir Etzion. The impact has been tremendous; the community members have already requested that Geerz open additional groups to accommodate and help more kids. Multiple other communities of evacuees, in locations throughout the country, have requested Geerz weekly therapeutic riding groups to help their youth deal with post-October 7th challenges.
Expanded Programs in Schools for At-Risk Youth
October 7th and its aftermath brought with it a flood of requests for Geerz therapeutic mountain biking programs in schools for at-risk children and teens. With a waiting list in place, Geerz is actively responding to requests to open new groups quickly and to answer the need efficiently and effectively.
Rode in Solidarity & Unity
On February 4th, 75 Geerz riders participated in a memorable ride along the Gaza periphery. The group visited and prayed at the sites of the horrific massacres in Kfar Aza, Be’eri and the Nova festival. Former IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi addressed the group, expressing appreciation for the critical work Geerz is doing with suffering kids throughout Israel, especially children evacuated from their homes in the South. Despite the indescribable tragedy, Geerz riders were left with a sense of optimism at the unfathomable resilience of our nation.
