Between the Furrows
For IDF reservists and their families
Kaima anticipated the growing need for nature-based mental health care and resilience building programs for IDF reservists and their families long before reservist rehabilitation and family wellness became central to Israel’s national conversation. What began as a single undertaking in 2024 has since grown into four therapeutic farming initiatives, each meeting a different need:
Anchored in the Earth (Miluimnikim), our intensive flagship program, which brings reservists processing combat trauma into organic farm work alongside professional farmers and clinical staff. Uniquely, diagnosis of PTSD by the Ministry of Defense is not required, thus providing greater access to those in need. *
Anchored in the Family (Mishpacha), which provides spouses and partners their own dedicated support, recognizing the toll the war has had on them, their families, and relationships.*
Anchored in Continuity (Bogrim), which gives Anchored in the Earth alumni extra time on the farm to continue the process and receive extra support as they gradually return to their lives. **
Returning Home (Shavim), which offers a shorter path to renewal for those who need restoration rather than acute trauma care. The initiative is run in partnership with and full funding by the Aviram Foundation.*
All four programs take place at Kaima Bein Hatlamim (Between the Furrows), our newest sister farm set on a former ficus nursery in Pardes Hanna, in the north of Israel.
We chose the name Between the Furrows to link our farming roots with the internal journeys of our participants. Literally, a furrow is the line plowed into the earth where seeds are planted and hard work happens. Metaphorically, furrows are the heavy lines etched onto the brow during times of intense stress and trauma. Operating "Between the Furrows" means working in the exact space where growth begins, hidden thoughts reside, and deep healing takes root.
Together, these programs have the capacity to reach some 275 reservists and partners each year, rooted in the same hands-in-the-earth model that has guided Kaima since our founding in 2013.
* Evaluation: Haifa University, Tel-Hai University, and Yezreel Valley College
** Evaluation: Reichmann University
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