"Do what you do, come what may."
My name is Sasha Galitsky. I’ve been living in Israel for a long time—almost 35 years.
I am an artist.
I know how to create reliefs and sculptures from wood.
I also know how to teach this craft to others, mainly seniors.
As well as to people in need of special psychological support—such as those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

A long time ago, I worked with IDF veterans with disabilities. One of my students back then was Isai Nurzhich, the father of reservist Vadim Nurzhich, who was lynched by an enraged mob in Ramallah in 2000.
With Isai, we carved small figures from linden wood that he had brought with him from Irkutsk, their hometown before immigrating to Israel.
That’s an old story.

Over the years, I’ve learned a great deal, and now it’s important for me to share my experience with anyone who feels the same need—to give and to heal.
That’s why we developed our unique method of healing through creativity and founded Baobab.

Baobab’s workshops now operate in 30 locations across the country, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, the Be'er Sheva region, Kiryat Shmona, and other kibbutzim in northern Israel.
Let’s help people—together.

Since the beginning of the war, Baobab Studios has been dedicated to supporting one of the most vulnerable segments of Israeli society — the displaced seniors. 

Tens of thousands of elderly individuals, facing emotional, physical, and mental challenges, have been forced to leave their homes and communities.

Today, Baobab Studios provides critical support to over 150 displaced seniors from Be'eri, Reim, Nir Am, Kissufim, Kiryat Shmona, Shlomi, and other war-affected settlements.

Currently operating in 14 locations, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Tiberias, Netanya, Zikhron Yaakov, Hazerim, and Omer, Baobab Studios offers unique wood carving lessons that combine artistic expression with physical activity. This proven methodology, developed by founder Sasha Galitsky, helps restore emotional resilience, reduce anxiety, and bring moments of joy and purpose to seniors.

This vital work must continue and expand to meet the growing needs.

At Baobab Studios, we invite artists to join our mission of restoring resilience and well-being to displaced seniors across Israel.

Our unique program trains artists to collaborate with seniors using a proven art-based methodology developed by Sasha Galitsky.

As part of this program, artists gain professional tools for working with people in traumatic realities while making a profound social impact. Many of our teachers, including new immigrants, find this role an opportunity to integrate into Israeli society and contribute to one of the country’s most pressing challenges.

Baobab Studios is growing—expanding to 25 locations and reaching over 1,000 seniors by 2025. Our teachers play a vital role in this journey, combining creativity, healing, and community rebuilding.

Learn more about becoming a Baobab teacher and making a difference.