Content Creator Lives in Car with Dog, Travels Israel After Trauma

Gal Schiller, a 28-year-old content creator from Tel Aviv, has been living in her car with her dog for the past year, traveling across Israel. The decision stemmed from a profound sense of "death" she experienced following the October 7th attacks, during which she served in reserve duty for body recovery and later volunteered with the Hostages Families Forum. Feeling suffocated by the trauma, Schiller, then 25, felt compelled to seek a "living" experience.

She embarked on her journey with her small Hyundai i10 and her dog, Milo, fulfilling a long-held dream. Schiller emphasizes a "go with what you have" philosophy, opting for her car over a caravan to maintain a closer connection with nature and avoid a sense of alienation. She packed essentials, purchased items like window covers for privacy, and gradually shed excess belongings to maximize space in the compact vehicle.

Schiller, who previously had limited experience outside Tel Aviv, views her travels as an educational journey to understand Israel and its diverse inhabitants. She is committed to investing her energy and finances in Israel, especially after the war. Her travels have exposed her to various situations, including sleeping in a Palestinian guesthouse in Nazareth, camping on a beach in Eilat during rocket attacks, and dealing with an online stalker who tracked her in real life. She prioritizes her safety by leaving locations before posting about them and prefers self-reliance, even when offered help.

Financially, Schiller is living off her savings, acknowledging that expenses vary. She notes the trade-offs between convenience and cost, such as buying food versus cooking. Her lifestyle necessitates spending on services like laundry and showers. She documents her journey with Milo on TikTok and Instagram, finding a supportive online community that inspires her to continue.

Schiller is uncertain about returning to a conventional life, valuing personal meaning and movement over academic degrees or traditional employment. She believes many people live predictable lives due to rigid routines and encourages embracing life's uncertainties. Her experience has also shaped her perspective on relationships, emphasizing self-reliance and personal growth for women.