In a powerful demonstration of compassion and cultural exchange, Taiwan-based choreographer and dancer Dr. Shen Jia-ru embarked on a unique mission on September 17 to uplift the spirits of Israeli mothers who lost their children in the tragic Nova music festival attack. This initiative, under the auspices of Taipei's cultural office in Israel and the Taiwan Maritime Rehabilitation Center in Kibbutz Palmahim, offers solace to 15 mothers from the Shfela area through the art of dance performance, with an aim to express empathy, hope, and resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.
"Dance has the power to transcend language barriers and touch the deepest parts of the human soul. Our goal is to create a space where these grieving mothers can find moments of peace and connection through movement. This is the objective of the Maritime Rehabilitation Project, to heal and empower the victims of October 7 through ocean therapeutic activities and innovative approaches," Representative Ya-ping (Abby) Lee, the head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Tel-Aviv, said.
Shen titles her performance "Love, the law of attraction". Dr. Shen is the creator of the "Geo-Choreo" practice that blends movement and serenity, creating a profound connection between performer and audience. Participating mothers interact with Shen, and they both simply feel the spiritual reign by themselves where everyone can be healing, healed, and energetically radiant.
The Maritime Resilience Center, operated by the Museum of the Sea, has provided treatment to hundreds of individuals affected by the events of October 7, including residents of the Gaza Envelope, victims, and their families. Sea-related activities are considered a source of mental health, and many studies suggest extending time spent near the sea in therapeutic settings as a tool for emotional regulation, calmness, and enhancing happiness. The Maritime Rehabilitation Program operates in a unique building that sits on a cliff and overlooks the beach, which is also a nature reserve. In addition to ocean therapy, comprehensive resilience programs donated by Taipei will be implemented, including yoga workshops, meditation, occupational therapy, phototherapy and practical work at sea on various vessels, as well as free diving, swimming groups and more. Resilience programs will be adapted to different audiences (children, adults, post-trauma victims etc.) and will be led by leading pedagogical professionals in their field, clinical psychologists, social workers, and other professionals.
"We want the resilience center to stand as a beacon of hope," she said, noting that her office "aims to forge stronger bonds and peoplehood with Israel while providing meaningful support to those in need. Israel is not alone in this testing time."
