Joyful children at Aviv Farm — Strong Heart Initiative Yes Day program for war-affected children

Kids | Yes Day

Yes Day

Horses, joy, and nature — where children affected by war can simply be children again.

The activity is supported by Merit Spread Foundation

Children Who Have Carried Too Much

Children from the most affected regions — North and South Israel. Kids of soldiers, affected by the war.

To give them a magical day, free from worry, full of joy, nature, and the embrace of animals — and by providing gentle exercises with horses to support and build inner resilience. A day that allows them to simply be children again — to play, create, touch, laugh, and feel safe and loved.

What Horses Give Children That Words Cannot

Non-verbal communication

Horses respond to presence, not performance.

Non-judgmental presence

The horse accepts without conditions.

Immediate sensory regulation

Touch, rhythm, and movement calm the nervous system.

Trust-building without pressure

Connection develops at the child's own pace.

Research by Prof. Yuval Neria (Columbia University, 2021) confirms equine therapy produces measurable brain changes — benefits that extend to children experiencing trauma.

A Yes Day — What to Expect

Experiential days at Aviv Farm, Moshav Mishmeret

A child riding a horse with a guide at Aviv Farm during a Strong Heart Yes Day
01

Horseback Riding

Guided riding, age-appropriate, led by experienced instructors. Children experience real connection with the horse and genuine achievement.

Hands brushing and grooming a horse during the Yes Day horse care station
02

Horse Care

Children learn to groom, brush, feed, and care for a horse — a calming, responsibility-building experience.

A child crafting a dream catcher with a real horseshoe at the Yes Day art station
03

Dream Catcher

Children create a dream catcher using a real horseshoe — putting their dream into an act of art. A personal keepsake from the day.

A joyful group of children together at Aviv Farm during a Yes Day
04

Ground Exercises

Group ground exercises with horses — movement, interaction, and play that build teamwork and connection.

0

children were welcomed at the stable in the last half year

Supported by

Merit Spread Foundation