About "havayot Center"

The “Havayot Center” was established in 1998, based on the research by Dr. Yoni Yehuda and his personal rehabilitation process. Yehuda, who founded the center, is an animal therapist who holds a doctorate in psychology. Dr. Yehuda’s personal experiences taught him the benefits of animal therapy. In 1987, he was injured in a parachuting accident during his IDF service. He was one of the first wounded IDF soldiers to utilize horseback riding during his rehabilitation process. In 1996, he was wounded in a terror attack, and today he is still coping and recovering from that incident.  

The Center aims to work for the betterment of both human beings and animals, and was established with the goal of creating a direct connection between them, while maintaining the welfare and mutual cooperation in their developing relationship. Havayot has been a unique treatment center for over 20 years, able to succeed thanks to Dr. Yehuda’s innovative approach, and his staff, who assist a wide range of clients dealing with many disabilities.  

The therapeutic approach at the “Havayot Center” is based on the model known as “Triangular Therapy” – a psychotherapeutic process with the help of animals developed by Dr. Yehuda, and is the foundation for the psychotherapeutic practice that is growing and emerging in the field of animal therapy in Israel and around the world. Over the years, Dr. Yehuda has researched these processes in the environment of and with the help of animals (healthy animals, rehabilitated animals and those in the rehabilitation process), for the well-being of man in general and for the well-being of people recovering and living with various disabilities and ailments.  This model was recognized internationally (ISAAT, IAHAIO), in the year 2008.

The basis of the connection between man and animals involves an understanding of the animal kingdom of which we are a part, a wonderful kingdom that we have moved away from over the generations and lost the fundamental connection that allows sensitivity and giving, compassion and simple joy, unconditionally. The essential connection between man and animals is mutual, since animals "accept" and include us without conditions and without limits.

Over the years, the “Havayot Center” has successfully treated and assisted thousands of people of all ages, including those born with various disabilities, those who have experienced various traumas, disabled IDF soldiers, people with chronic diseases and illnesses and more. Tens of thousands of animals have been rescued and rehabilitated by Dr. Yehuda, during the 20 years of the Center's activities.

The Center is located in Elazar, in Gush Etzion, south of Jerusalem (about a 10 minute drive), and covers an area of about 1 acre, and was built in an intimate and visitor-friendly manner, looking out on a breathtaking view. The layout of the Center allows for easy mobility for visitors between hundreds of animals allowing accessibility, and was also built adapted for the disabled and those with special needs.   

Due to the special needs of patients and the welfare of animals and visitors - the center maintains strict zoological/veterinary standards for animals both in animal nutrition and in the structure of the cages and in their cleanliness, while preserving the environment.

The center operates with the approval and supervision of the veterinary department of the Gush Etzion Regional Council, under the close supervision of expert veterinarians and with the approval of the Nature Reserves and Parks Authority, the Association of Cities for the Protection of the Environment, and the Ministry of Agriculture. The center also works in arrangement with the Iocal health funds, Bituach Leumi (working with victims of terror attacks/war), an authorized supplier of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Welfare and wellness centers.

Caring for animals requires extensive resources and the Center is constantly looking to supplement its income. With your donation, help us maintain the “Havayot Center” so that we can continue to rescue and rehabilitate animals and care for many clients.