Shahaf Sharon enlisted in the Nahal Brigade in 2021 and served as a sniper. Following October 7, he spent 132 days fighting inside Gaza, where he experienced intense combat and the loss of close friends. After seeking help, he was diagnosed with PTSD.

While attending a veterans’ retreat in Mexico, Shahaf met Tomer Peretz and learned about The 8 Project. Through the residency, he found the structure, creative freedom, and community he needed to continue his recovery, gaining tools and connections that have helped him rebuild and move forward.