

About Us
? who are we
? what are we doing

Our goal
Is to illuminate the path for people to gain control over the remnants of past trauma, with an emphasis on observing and practicing in the present, in this moment.
Along with processing combat experiences through discourse, treatment and sharing, we are learning today that traces of the past can also be changed through physical experiences that contradict and directly change the experiences of helplessness, rage and collapse that are part of the trauma, thereby regaining self-control and inner strengthening.
"Brothers in Yoga" responds to the existing need for a combination of community, practice and imparting confidence to the participants.
Yoga is very helpful in developing mental resilience to deal with PTSD symptoms. Yoga has proven to be an effective and simple tool, available to anyone, anywhere, to help deal with the shock of battle.




BIY's Vision
Our vision is to give an opportunity for healing through yoga, for every current and former combatant who is dealing with post-trauma due to a security background. The program was launched in December 2021 with a first cycle of 9 participants. The goal in 2023 was to open at least 6 more cycles, with 10-14 participants each time. In 2023, 9 more cycles were opened, today over 100 brothers and sisters to yoga, 7 program graduates who were trained as teachers in the team, and the arm is tilted.
The association was inspired by the organization WARRIORS AT EASE, which has been working since 2011 through yoga for combat trauma in the US Army. The program is led by Hatha Yoga and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga teachers in collaboration with a clinical treatment team.
BIY's Goals
The goal is to enlighten people on the way to gaining control over the remnants of past trauma, with an emphasis on observing and practicing in the present, in this moment. Along with processing combat experiences through discourse, treatment and sharing, we are learning today that traces of the past can also be changed through physical experiences that contradict and directly change the experiences of helplessness, rage and collapse that are part of the trauma, thereby regaining self-control and inner strengthening.
"Brothers in yoga" responds to the existing need for a combination of community, practice and imparting confidence to the participants.
Yoga is very helpful in developing mental resilience to deal with PTSD symptoms. Yoga has proven to be an effective and simple tool, available to anyone, anywhere, to help deal with the shock of battle.
BIY's Method
The application is carried out through 5 guiding principles, which offer different and varied yoga practices, which create a complete support envelope and the possibility of practical application in everyday life:
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Correct practice: asanas - the yoga postures, stretch and strengthen, stimulate and renew all body systems.
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Correct breathing: Pranayama, breathing exercises that balance the flow of energy in the body and calm the nervous system.
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Proper relaxation: allows the release of physical and mental tension and releases enormous resources of energy.
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Proper nutrition: natural, nutritious and balanced. Leaves the body light and the consciousness calm.
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Meditation and positive thinking: the keys to inner peace by focusing awareness and directing it in positive ways.

The Program
"We offer a long-term, 4-month process, beginning with participants meeting together for a full weekend retreat at one of our hospitality centers across the country.
Following the retreat, bi-weekly Zoom meetings are held, dedicated to building and deepening practices, learning, and sharing.
Throughout the entire period, participants receive support and guidance for building a home practice, as well as recordings for self-practice.
At the end of the 4-month continuous practice period, group members return to a concluding weekend retreat at the Ashram, where we can deepen our learning, practical practice, and set personal goals for the future. Program graduates are invited to continue practicing in regular Yoga Brothers and Sisters classes, pursue teacher training and certification, volunteer with the association, and participate in events."

Security - through open sharing, group consent, presence,
and physical structure (circle).
Community - building connections, fostering personal and group trust,
creating a future plan (ongoing weekly activity).
Practice - yoga and meditation, spiritual journaling, consistency,
and establishing a calming routine for the mind and body.
Guiding Values

The Place
The Yoga Mata Ashram is located in Moshav Mata, in the heart of the green and enchanting nature of the Jerusalem mountains, within walking distance of springs and stunning hiking trails. The place provides a special feeling of peace and inspiration. Today, life at the Ashram is run by a family and a team of volunteers (10
people) who operate, practice, and teach on a daily basis.
The team of facilitators



Neta Margalit
(Ganga)
Co-Founder and CEO of Yoga Brothers .
Hatha Yoga and Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Teacher
Lived for about 5 years in yoga retreat centers and ashrams around the world, where she studied and taught a variety of courses. Deepens research into yoga as a way of growing from post-trauma, Leads workshops on yogic nutrition, art, and more.
052-397-0287
YONATHAN BAR
(SHIVA)

Yoga teacher, meditation and yoga philosophy
Lived the spiritual journey for over 30 years. Lived for 10 years in ashrams for yoga and meditation and delved into the studies of the spirit and soul.



Shlomi Yacobian
(Nataraj)
Graduate of the association's 'Journey to Life' program. Yoga teacher and social work student.
Leads and teaches at the association - manages the alumni community.

Keren Ziv
(Sri Devi)
Yoga teacher
and leader of community projects.
Believes in people and the connections between them. Engaged in healing through movement and exploring connections between body, mind, spirit and nature.

members of the association

Gur Shreibman.
management committee.
Reserve officer with the rank of Brigadier General.
Served as commander of the Givati Brigade's reconnaissance battalion. Served as deputy commander of Squadron 13, as commander of a combat platoon in Squadron 13, as commander of Squadron 13, as commander of the Officers' School in the 1st Naval Division, and as commander of the "Red" formation.
Graduate of the Naval Command Course, holds a bachelor's degree in administration and law from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and a master's degree in strategic resource management from the National Security University in Washington.

Oren Hefetz
Former Google Israel executive, author and mentor. Served as VP of Google Israel and head of the company's financial services division. Hefetz is a graduate of the Department of Middle Eastern History at Tel Aviv University and a certified mentor. His first book, "Dagger of Apollonia," was published after twenty years of writing on the shelf.

Yoav Holzer
Lawyer, management consultant and CEO of Simplifi, a company specializing in combining business management with spiritual values and Tibetan Buddhism. Holzer lectures and guides managers through processes of self-awareness, morality and compassion, believing that these values lead to business success.

Nir Barav
Serves as VP Finance at Biond Biologics, leading the company's financial planning, budgeting and control activities. In addition to his role at Biond, he serves as Country Manager at TTPSC and has extensive experience in senior operations management, including establishing processes and improving organizational efficiency. Nir is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has a diverse academic education: a Bachelor's degree in Economics (B.A. Economics) and an additional Bachelor's degree in Law (L.L.B.), which allow him to integrate financial and regulatory understanding into financial management.
The combination of his accounting expertise, operational experience, and senior management roles positions him as a key factor in shaping Biond Biologics' business and financial strategy.

Uri Shilo
Financial expert and co-founder with extensive experience in the pharma and biotechnology sectors.
He is a co-founder and CFO of Beyond, and has been a member of the company's board of directors since its inception.
Prior to that, he served as co-founder, CFO, Deputy CEO and Director at RedHill Biopharma, leading the company's IPO and significant capital raisings.
Uri was a partner at the investment firm ProSeed Capital Holding CVA, responsible for investments and banking activities in Israel.
He has over 20 years of experience in investment banking, consulting, and ventures in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, and is a director at BISSOM, the Hebrew University.

Shira Mamia
An architect at the organization Ye'ad Architects.
An artist.
Practices yoga.

Michal Yarkoni
Senior Yoga Teacher and Certified Yoga Therapist. (C-IAYT), Body Mind Centering® therapist, Somatic Experiencing® therapist since 2004, leads developmental anatomy and movement workshops for yoga practitioners and teachers across the country. Developed and taught the annual in-depth course for yoga teachers - Physical Internalization as a Foundation for Yoga Therapy.
Integrates yoga therapy into the psychiatric system of "Ha'emek" Hospital in Afula as part of the Ministry of Defense's outpatient clinic to support combat trauma. Engages in teaching and treatment through yoga and conscious movement at the clinic in Tivon and in Moshav Zippori

Oz Dror
VP of Strategy, Communications and Policy at Or Yarok. Oz Dror is approaching his 50th year and has extensive experience in leading public campaigns. He serves as VP of Strategy, Communications, Policy and Government Relations at Or Yarok, which works to reduce road accidents in Israel. Dror leads the organization's activities to raise awareness, improve infrastructure and influence decision-makers.
He believes in the importance of education and outreach to the entire population, with an emphasis on children and unique communities.

Oded Fishelzon
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