Recently, much has been said about post-trauma among soldiers during and after combat. Yet far less attention has been given to another equally vulnerable group - children and adolescents, especially at younger ages, who suffer the consequences of ongoing war. One of the most significant solutions developed for them is the Israeli innovation known as the “Hibuki Intervention."
Hibuki is a therapeutic dog doll with sad eyes and long, embracing arms. By caring for the doll, the child is, in fact, caring for themselves. The process is guided by me and a specially trained team, together with the parents, who also receive instruction through a dedicated protocol we developed.
Since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, T.L.M. Association, under my leadership as Chief Psychologist of the Amal Group (“Amal & Me’ever”), has treated more than 20,000 distressed children across Israel through Hibuki Intervention. Our therapists reached evacuation centers, public shelters, and pediatric hospital wards to provide immediate care.
In addition, seven therapeutic Hibuki centers have been established nationwide, offering free treatment to children and families in need—in Ashkelon, Netivot, Nahariya, Ofakim, the Upper Galilee, Nazareth, and Haifa.
During the 12-Day War with Iran, our teams provided Hibuki therapy to hundreds of Air Force families’ children, to those evacuated to hotels after their homes were destroyed, and to families sleeping in Tel Aviv light rail stations out of fear of missile attacks. At the train stations, author Shira Geffen joined us. Together, she and I co-authored the children’s book Hibuki, making the therapy accessible in a friendly and effective way.
In recent months, the program has expanded and begun operating in the Rambam Medical Center’s pediatric department, where it has become a standard therapeutic protocol offered to every child admitted. Doctors and nurses report a significant reduction in fear and anxiety before surgeries and medical procedures.
Alongside this, a shorter emergency protocol was developed for children arriving at the ER. This groundbreaking collaboration - the first of its kind in the world - where medical staff themselves provide the emotional intervention, creates trust and emotional connection with patients, improving cooperation and easing medical treatment.
A few days ago, a child badly injured in a car accident was rushed into surgery. On the way, he received a Hibuki doll and immediately hugged it. He asked the medical team, “Is Hibuki going to die?” “What’s going to happen to Hibuki?” His parents burst into tears. Through Hibuki, the medical staff explained what was about to happen, calming both the child and his family. The care he gave Hibuki soothed him, helped him trust the team, and cooperate with treatment.
As another way to reach children across the country in need of emotional support, a mobile Hibuki clinic was recently launched in the Upper Galilee. Staffed by professionals, it travels between kibbutzim, towns, and cities, bringing Hibuki Intervention directly to children’s natural environments—kindergartens, community centers, and even their homes. For many, Hibuki has eased trauma and anxiety, enabling them to return to their schools or kindergartens after long absences.
International recognition of Hibuki
Over the past decade, Hibuki has gained international recognition. The doll has comforted over 150,000 children worldwide: in Japan after the tsunami, in Ukraine during the war, in Turkey after the earthquake, and more. Even a Tehran newspaper praised the intervention - though carefully omitting where it originated.
In Ukraine, the program was adopted by the First Lady, Olena Zelenska, leading to the opening of eight centers nationwide. Today, Hibuki is considered the largest early-childhood therapeutic program in the country.
We first developed the Hibuki Intervention during the Second Lebanon War, as a short-term, effective treatment for children ages 3–9 suffering from post-trauma and anxiety. Scientific studies have since confirmed its exceptional effectiveness and rapid results. Since the outbreak of the Swords of Iron War, Hibuki has become nothing less than Israel’s national comforter.
Nearly two years into the war, Hibuki reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is a simple way to ease children’s fear and restore a sense of safety. In shelters, hospitals, and treatment centers, this small doll with its big hug has become a symbol of hope - a reminder that emotional care is not a luxury, but a vital lifeline that helps children move forward.
A few months ago, Hibuki was even presented at the UN headquarters in New York, drawing widespread attention. Who knows - maybe one day Hibuki will also serve as a bridge for peace.
Dr. Shay Chen Gal is Chief Psychologist of the T.L.M. Association and the Amal Group (“Amal & Me’ever”).