
Restoring resilience and well-being in Israel through art-based methodologies, supporting those affected by the war

A Word from the Founder
Recently, an elderly man said to me, “I rely on two things to keep me alive: an oxygen tank and you.”
I am Sasha Galitsky, an established artist and published author. Twenty years ago, I began teaching wood carving to nursing home residents, and ever since, I’ve been sharing my passion for creativity with those who need it most. This journey has shown me a simple yet profound truth: creativity restores resilience and brings life back to the soul, especially for those who have faced hardship.
Through my time with these individuals, I’ve witnessed the extraordinary power of the creative process—not just as a form of expression, but as a way to heal, rebuild, and restore well-being. Whether with a chisel, a paintbrush, scissors, or even a harmonica, the tools themselves don’t matter. What matters is the intention: to heal and restore through creativity.
Over the years, this mission has grown. Today, through Baobab Studios, we are expanding our unique methodology of healing through art, passion, and creativity to support all those impacted by war and adversity.
Join us in this transformative journey.
Together, we can restore hope, resilience, and well-being to those who need it most.
Touch wood - it helps :)
Every day, artist Sasha Galitsky and his dedicated team at Baobab Studios support Israelis affected by the war — displaced individuals, seniors, and other vulnerable groups — through creative activities that rebuild resilience and restore well-being.
By engaging in wood carving using Sasha's unique method, participants not only relieve stress but also regain a sense of purpose and control over their lives. As one participant, Yoram from Kibbutz Reim, said, “If I will not put this work on my wall at home – I have failed the entire game.”
Baobab Studios provides a lifeline during this difficult time, offering moments of joy, healing, and motivation to survive. To continue this critical work in 2025 and beyond, Baobab urgently needs your help!

What Does BAOBAB Do?

Baobab Studios is an Israeli initiative that supports vulnerable individuals, including displaced seniors, people with disabilities, and those struggling with trauma. Through a combination of artistic expression and physical activity, Baobab's wood carving and creative sessions help participants:
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Alleviate stress and anxiety
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Enhance cognitive abilities
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Restore confidence and pride
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Maintain vital social connections and skills
Currently, Baobab Studios operates in 14 temporary locations for displaced seniors, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Tiberias, and Netanya, alongside two permanent centers in Ramat Gan and Holon.
To meet the growing demand, Baobab opened a free school to train teachers, ensuring more people have access to its life-changing programs. As displaced populations face long-term emotional and psychological problems, Baobab aims to expand its centers and programs in southern and northern Israel.
Who Makes Up BAOBAB
Baobab Studios is powered by a diverse and passionate team of professionals, including artists, educators, psychologists, and social innovators. United by a mission to restore resilience and well-being through creative expression, the team includes:
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Sasha Galitsky – Founder, artist, and creator of the methodology.
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Emil Guberman – CEO and Program Development Manager.
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Tatyana Tsytkin – Co-founder, art teacher specializing in ceramics and art history.
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Sergey Zakharov – Program Psychologist providing teacher support and expertise in elderly care.
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Raya Riger and Irina Lipsky – Specialists in elderly care and social entrepreneurship.
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Marina Rayskin, Yegor Berkovich, Ekaterina Belenkaya, Alexey Propiszkov – Wood carving instructors.
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Irina Sychev – Ceramics teacher.
Together, this dedicated team delivers programs that inspire creativity, healing, and resilience.

What Has Already Been Done?

Baobab Studios has made remarkable progress in its mission to restore well-being and support vulnerable individuals across Israel:
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Developed a proven creative methodology for healing through art-based activities.
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Established two fully operational centers in Ramat Gan and Holon.
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Launched long-term weekly support programs for displaced seniors from Re'im, Nir Am, Sderot, Kiryat Shmona, and Shlomi.
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Created a school for training educators, equipping teachers with the tools to support seniors and trauma-affected individuals.
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Currently operating in 14 temporary locations, reaching over 150 displaced seniors from war-affected regions.
These achievements highlight Baobab’s growing impact, but the need for expansion is urgent.
What Should Be Done?

To address the long-term emotional and psychological needs of displaced individuals, Baobab Studios has identified the following priorities:
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Launching long-term support programs: Establishing sustainable programs in war-affected regions to provide consistent emotional and psychological support through creative activities, helping participants rebuild resilience and well-being as they return to their communities.
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Creating permanent resilience centers: These centers will serve as safe spaces for displaced seniors and other vulnerable groups, offering weekly classes to help restore cognitive abilities, reduce anxiety, and promote social engagement.
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Expanding the Baobab Educators’ School: Training more educators, including new immigrants, to support trauma-affected individuals. This initiative ensures Baobab's programs can grow while providing teachers with meaningful opportunities for integration and impact.
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Renting spaces for new schools: Securing additional locations in southern and northern Israel to accommodate the increasing demand for classes.
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Purchasing and maintaining equipment: Ensuring all centers are fully equipped with tools and materials needed for wood carving, ceramics, and other activities.
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Providing salaries for teachers and staff: Supporting the growing team of educators, psychologists, and coordinators dedicated to Baobab's mission.
With plans to operate in 25 locations and support over 1,000 individuals by 2025, Baobab Studios aims to restore resilience, hope, and well-being to those most deeply affected by the war.
How to support
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For tax-deductible donations in Canada, the US, France, Australia and UK please proceed here
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bit in Israel 0526053635
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Bank transfer בנק הפועלים 12, סניף 661 רעננה, חשבון 501500 ע״ש תדי - תמיכה דרך יצירה
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for donation by credit card or PayPal, just go here:
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If you want to support us in any other way, please write to us at info@baobabstudios.org, Telegram +972 52 6053635 or WatsApp +972 52 6053635, and we will arrange everything.
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And once again - thank you very much!
Thank you in advance for your help! Even small donations are very important to us, as they eventually add up to significant amounts.
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