THE Healing

THE 8 THERAPY TEAM

Licensed therapists are central to the residency, guiding each survivor through a personalized therapeutic process. From initial assessments to regular one-on-one sessions, they support residents in navigating trauma and channeling it into creative expression. This program is designed to foster post-traumatic growth, where emotional restoration and art come together in a safe, transformative space.

Elina Kogan

Elina Kogan

Elina Kogan, LICSW, MFT, MSW, is a trauma therapist with more than 25 years of experience in Israel and the United States. Born in Ukraine and raised in Israel, she earned her degrees from the University of Haifa and the University of Pennsylvania. Elina has worked in crisis centers, shelters, psychiatric hospitals, and schools, focusing on trauma and emotional resilience. Since 2022 she has volunteered with Israeli and Ukrainian organizations to support war survivors, and after the October 7 attacks she has provided therapy in resilience centers and on military bases across Israel. Trained in emotion-focused therapy, sensorimotor psychotherapy, Brainspotting, DBT, and ACT, Elina employs a body-based, nervous-system-informed approach. Her work helps individuals recognize and reclaim their inner strength, fostering healing and post-traumatic growth.

Michael Broukhim

Michael Broukhim

A board-certified integrative psychiatrist specializing in holistic, mind–body–spirit mental health care.

He holds medical and public health degrees from Touro University California and an M.S. in Complementary Medicine from Georgetown, and completed his residency in Integrative Psychiatry at the University of Arizona.

Currently pursuing rabbinical ordination at AJRCA, Michael combines evidence-based therapy, lifestyle medicine, and psychedelic-assisted treatments to support deep, root-cause healing.

Yehuda Nahari Halevi

Yehuda Nahari Halevi

Yehuda is a movement therapist, performer, and integrative bodyworker specializing in Shin Sen Do, a Japanese mind–body healing method.

With 14 years of experience in somatic practices, yoga, dance, and creative expression, he helps individuals release stored tension, reconnect with their bodies, and access authentic emotional expression.

He also leads movement workshops and hosts MEN 2.0, a podcast focused on healing and modern masculinity.

THE People

THE 8 VOLUNTEERS

Our volunteers are the heartbeat of the 8 Project. everyday people from the community, ranging in age from 20 to 60, who have become part of something much bigger than themselves. When the music stopped, over 1,000 volunteers stepped forward, contributing to public art, installations, murals, and events. From production to distribution, they help bring each project to life. For many, this work is also a form of healing, a way to process, connect, and stand in solidarity through meaningful action and creative service.

The Residents 

Past Residents – From Recovery to Renewal

These residents completed The 8 Project’s healing residency. Their journeys continue - as artists, mentors, and part of our growing community.

Andrei Kozlov

Andrei Kozlov

Former hostage, abducted from the Nova Music festival on October 7th and held hostage in Gaza for 246 days.


Yakov Vaknin

Yakov Vaknin

Golani operational driver, severely injured on October 7th. Spent months in hospital and rehabilitation.

Shaked Salton

Shaked Salton

Search and Rescue Sergeant, served over 400 days in reserves. Recovered bodies from missile strike sites during the Iran war.

Rotem Zamir

Rotem Zamir

Served as the IDF’s first military painter throughout the war. Lost her brother in Gaza after a terrorist attack on his tank.

Inor Kango

Inor Kango

Nova’s official photographer. Survived the massacre and helped connect survivors to their families in real time.

Dmitry Pomazan

Dmitry Pomazan

Professional photographer and combat fighter. Served for over a year in reserves with an elite unit in Gaza. Battles severe PTSD.