From Troubled Teen to Sailing Instructor, Nachman's Journey of Transformation

Nachman Fried's life was dramatically altered when he joined the Ziv Ne'urim maritime center in Hadera at age 13. Initially struggling with behavioral issues and unfamiliar with the sea, Nachman found that the ocean became a space for reflection and personal growth. He credits the Ziv Ne'urim program with helping him manage his thoughts, build self-confidence, and develop a sense of responsibility.

The Ziv Ne'urim educational program emphasizes that significant change is built through persistence, personal connection, and gradually increasing responsibility. Nachman's journey exemplifies this, as he transitioned from a participant to a mentor within the organization. "I didn't expect this to happen," he admitted, "but today I represent Ziv Ne'urim in competitions and I am an instructor at the association."

This shift from student to instructor marked a profound personal transformation for Nachman. He gained the confidence to pursue his education, completing his matriculation exams, acquiring a profession, and looking towards the future with a sense of agency. "I finished matriculation thanks to the association, I acquired a profession here, and now I look at my future completely differently."

Nachman highlights the crucial role of the staff at Ziv Ne'urim, particularly his former instructor Dana Hadar, whom he describes as a maternal figure. He recounted how Hadar provided extensive support, including study materials and connections, for his application to the naval commando's youth program. Hadar expressed immense pride in Nachman's progress, calling him an inspiration to other youths and a testament to the program's success.

Ziv Ne'urim, founded by veterans of the naval commando unit Shayetet 13 in memory of a fallen comrade, has been operating for over 26 years. The organization uses challenging maritime activities like sailing and surfing, combined with educational and values-based processes, to prevent dropout and empower at-risk youth. They aim to foster personal responsibility, teamwork, leadership, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Recently, Ziv Ne'urim has expanded its programs to include evacuee families, bereaved families, and individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress.