A Journey of Empowerment and Healing in the Heart of the Desert

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 5:10 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 1
  In Roundtable Session: Cultivating Hope: Facilitating Resilience and Healing Among Youth (Table 5)

Abstract

This study adopted qualitative research principles to analyze data from 12 students aged 15-18 who participated in resilience journeys at the Ramon Crater in the Israeli desert, following the traumatic events of October 7th in southern Israel. Based on the restorative environment theory, the study aimed to assess how desert activities contribute to resilience among students. Semi-structured interviews identified four central themes: the desert as a promoter of calmness and security, a catalyst for introspection, a catalyst for social and interpersonal connection, and a facilitator of intergenerational connection. The desert provided an isolated and captivating environment that allowed students to distance themselves from daily stress, promoting introspection, healing and connection to a broader world.

Authors

• Adiv Gal, Kibbutzim College

• Maitri Shacham, Kibbutzim College

• Shai Frogel, Kibbutzim College