OCTOBER 31 • 2024 | 39

in Israel for English-speaking 
men, the first of its kind. They 
rented the alpaca farm, a beautiful 
property surrounded by the Israeli 
Negev mountains and vast desert 
landscapes. 
“It was so perfect for what we 
envisioned; we rented it before 
anyone signed up,” Weiner said. 
Ultimately, more than 50 men 
joined together in the desert.
The retreat took place in March, 
six months after the war started, 
when most people living in Israel 
were desperate for a well-needed 
emotional break. 
Wiener, Gelber and Pamensky 
also wanted to give back to those 
who are courageously putting their 
lives on the line for the sake of the 
country; 11 tickets were sponsored 
for IDF soldiers and Nova massacre 
survivors, thanks to generous 
sponsors. 
In all, the participants crossed 
the spectrum of Israeli society, from 
religious and secular backgrounds, 

but also in age range, from 20 to 60.
“Everyone was there for the same 
reason, to take off the armor of 
their lives and be real with each 
other, share and create authentic 
connections while learning new 
ways to deal with life,” Wiener said. 
Events included ice bathing, 
breathwork, yoga, singing around 
the fire and somatic healing 
workshops with a strong emphasis 
on navigating inner emotions. 
Workshops were led by top-of-
the-line facilitators, such as Omer 
Gonen-Haela, Zohar Wilson, Yom 
Tov Glaser, Dov Bachur, David 
Moshe and Micha Horowitz. 
Feedback was overwhelmingly 
positive from all participants and 
the men are excitedly planning the 
next retreat. 
The next retreat is slated for Dec 
11-13. Space is limited. For more 
information, check out achvaretreat.
com or follow their Facebook or 
Instagram. 

ABOVE: The men gather around a bonfire. RIGHT: Akiva Pamensky, Zev Gelber 
and Mordechai Wiener, organizers of the retreat. BOTTOM RIGHT: Attendees 
enjoyed a drum circle.

