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THE ARIEL CENTER LOD, CENTRAL ISRAEL
Healing & Strengthening Our Nation Through Sports
In memory of Ariel Goldsmith z"l — Israel's first dedicated therapeutic sports center, serving reservists, civilians, and youth across the nation.
"DIG DEEP. FIGHT FORWARD"
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OUR MISSION
The Center for Healing, Empowerment and Resilience through Sports
The Ariel Center’s mission is to instill strength and resilience in reservists and civilians through individual and group sports activities focused on rehabilitation. These activities promote success, self-confidence and personal development.
As an integral part of the local community, The Ariel Center aims to contribute to regional growth, serving as a home for community members and leaders. It seeks to spread unique sport therapy teachings by engaging individuals as partners, working to heal and strengthen Israeli society as a whole.
WHO WE SERVE
Veterans & Reservists
Veterans, active reservists, and their spouses & families navigating recovery and reintegration
Israeli Civilians of all ages
Underserved youth and individuals of all backgrounds coping with trauma, loss, and severe emotional responses to crisis
Security Forces & First Responders
EMTs and homefront personnel regularly exposed to intense operational and emotional stress
Leaders & Educators
Sports educators and youth leaders fostering strength and resilience across Israel
HOW WE WORK
Sport is A POWERFULTHERAPEUTIC TOOL
Sport & Reflect
Every activity is paired with structured reflection and facilitated discussion.
Physical activity is transformed into a therapeutic experience.
The process strengthens emotional resilience, self-awareness, and meaningful connection.
Trauma-informed Professional
Personalized support from intake through completion
Ongoing progress monitoring by mental health professionals
Participant outcomes used to improve programs and best practices.
Soft Intervention
Familiar and welcoming entry point to support
Especially effective for individuals and families less likely to engage in conventional clinical settings
Makes mental-health support feel more accessible and approachable
Social Connections
Shared training, teamwork, and regular participation
Natural opportunities to build trust, connection, and mutual support
Strong communities that continue beyond the program
Our therapeutic program is developed by The Ariel Center Clinical Director IDF Major Yonatan Schimmel, MSW,
"Many soldiers and reservists feel uncomfortable stepping into a therapy-like setting and simply won't do it. I wish The Ariel Center had existed when I endured and processed military trauma during my service."
Itai Azulay, 41 years old
IDF Reservist, Givati Combat Unit
