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.
Danielle Golan
Danielle Golan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Brainspotting Practitioner. Danielle specializes in anxiety, panic, trauma, navigating creativity and relationship issues. She is psychodynamically oriented and somatically trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and certified in Brainspotting, techniques often used in processing difficult experiences and traumas. As an artist herself, she also incorporates eclectic art therapies as a form of healing. Danielle enjoys working with creatives and executives in the film and music industry, the LGBTQIA+ community, and trauma survivors.
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.
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 Survivors
Survivors & Their HEALING Journey Through 8'S ARTIST RESIDENCY
Yakov Vaknin
An operational driver in Golani, Yakov was injured in Kisufim on October 7. He arrived in the U.S. to recover from trauma and spent three transformative months in the studio. Yakov began painting for the first time upon arrival and art became his language for healing.
Inor Kango
As the lead photographer of the Nova Festival, Inor survived the October 7 massacre. With the support of 8, he spent three months building a powerful two-week photography exhibition. The team assisted in production and facilitated the shipping of his sold works.
Shaked SalTon
A medic in the IDF’s Hozolah unit and survivor of October 7, Shaked spent a month in the studio. She channeled her experiences into both personal paintings and collaborative community art projects.
Andrei Kozlov
A former hostage rescued on June 8, 2024, Andrei worked closely with Tomer Peretz for two months at the studio to create his first exhibition, an intimate and raw expression of his ordeal and resilience.
Noam Ben David
A Nova survivor who was injured and lost her boyfriend on October 7, Noam is currently immersed in the studio, painting her story under Tomer’s mentorship. Her work is a powerful testament to grief, survival, and strength.
Ofri Reiner
Ofri, a Nova survivor who lost her brother, spent three weeks collaborating with Tomer on community art projects. Her involvement helped transform personal tragedy into a collective call for healing.
Lee Sasi
ALSO a Nova survivor, Lee participated in several collaborative art pieces with Tomer. She is now creating her own body of work, using art to reclaim her voice and narrative.