MILIOU, Cyprus - In the tranquil forests of Cyprus, survivors of the devastating music festival attack in Israel are finding solace and attempting to heal from the trauma they experienced. A week-long healing process, organized by Israeli businessman Yoni Kahana and assisted by the IsraAID NGO, is currently underway at the Secret Forest retreat in the mountains above Paphos.

The survivors, who endured the tragic bloodbath that took place on October 7, have sought refuge in practices such as yoga, meditation, and art therapy. Matan Madar, one of the survivors, aims to dull the painful memories, while Dor Rahamim is in search of inner peace. Neta Cohen, deeply affected by the loss of countless lives, expresses her desire to live life to the fullest.

The retreat, exclusively for festival survivors, is being provided free of charge by Yoni Kahana. Alongside IsraAID, he is committed to offering a safe space where survivors can heal and rebuild their lives. The Secret Forest resort, nestled amidst Cyprus' lush mountains, provides the perfect setting for participants to reconnect with themselves and nature.

A significant aspect of the healing process is art therapy, as evidenced by Neta Cohen working on a collage that symbolizes her journey towards self-empowerment. The collage includes a photo from a social media platform, purposefully depicting a person with no "likes" to emphasize the notion that one does not need the approval of others to live a fulfilling life.

The Secret Forest retreat has become a haven for festival survivors seeking support and solidarity. The survivors, each on their unique path to healing, find solace in the serene surroundings of Cyprus' mountains. Chief Rabbi of Cyprus Arie Zeev Raskin has played a crucial role in the process, officiating a ceremony that marked the end of the seven-day healing process at the Jewish Community Centre in Larnaca.

As survivors continue their journey towards recovery, the retreat offers a space of respite and rejuvenation - a place where wounds can begin to heal, and hope can be reignited. Supported by the ongoing efforts of IsraAID and the unwavering dedication of Yoni Kahana, these survivors are gradually finding the strength to move forward, supported by the unity and solidarity of their fellow survivors and the peaceful environment of the Secret Forest retreat.

The healing process at the wellness retreat acts as a testament to the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit, demonstrating that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, hope and healing can prevail.