Project Goal
Matanya Farm is a therapeutic agricultural rehabilitation farm for battle shock survivors and vulnerable populations, located in Moshav Balfouria, in the Jezreel Valley.
In the wake of the Iron Swords War and the ongoing battles fought by IDF soldiers and security forces, we are witnessing a growing number of fighters suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and combat shock. This painful reality has created a critical need for new, holistic therapeutic frameworks.
Matanya Farm provides a safe and supportive home for battle shock survivors and vulnerable individuals.
Here, they are guided and treated by leading mental health professionals while finding peace, purpose, and connection through nature-based rehabilitation.
Participants work the land, engage in agricultural and carpentry activities, care for animals and sheep, and take part in individual and group therapy sessions focusing on both body and soul.
Through community involvement, group work, and acts of giving—such as growing fresh produce and distributing it to families in need through the association’s food distribution program—participants experience belonging, empowerment, and renewed self-worth.
Matanya Farm helps people rediscover the good within themselves and take their first steps toward a healthier, more meaningful life.
Who We Are
“Ezer Lazulat” (Aid for Others) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged populations and individuals with special needs.
Founded in 2016, the association was born out of a deep desire to strengthen values of compassion, patience, and unconditional giving.
We operate a rehabilitation and soup kitchen center in Afula Illit, serving over 100 hot meals daily, and distributing 250 food baskets during holidays.
In addition, we provide furniture, clothing, and medication assistance to those in need.
The center is proudly operated by individuals with special needs, who gain a sense of purpose and joy from helping others and giving back to the community.
A Personal Message
My name is Sandy Ben-Zaken, 43, from Kibbutz Yifat.
I’m married to Karen and a proud father of two young children.
I hold a B.A. in Special Education and Science from Levinsky College in Tel Aviv, and I work with Kinneret Welfare Services, a rehabilitation framework for people with special needs.
I founded Aid for Others ten years ago, driven by deep empathy for my community and my people.
The vision for Matanya Farm comes from a profoundly personal place.
As a former Golani Brigade combat soldier, I witnessed firsthand the emotional wounds of war. During Operation Defensive Shield, close friends of mine were diagnosed with PTSD—an experience that has stayed with me ever since.
Matanya, a dear friend who fell in battle, always saw the good in everyone.
He was kind, patient, and compassionate to all.
The farm proudly carries his name and his spirit, serving as a living tribute to his values and legacy.
I truly believe in the healing power of people, land, and giving.
Time and again, I’ve seen how open spaces, nature, and helping others can do wonders for the human soul.
It is my greatest privilege to lead this project and to support those who were wounded, broken, or lost—
so that together, we can all become whole again.
