Facing the Sea

Facing the Sea is Daniel Tchetchik's new collaboration with Israeli organization Hagal Sheli (My Wave). The project features portraits of individuals directly affected by the October 7th massacre and the war that followed, photographed against the backdrop of the sea. Through intimate portraits, the viewer is taken on a journey—from the changing shoreline to the delicate soul—person by person. Together, these stories create a new emotional landscape: a quiet island of strength where the human spirit confronts the tide, and the sea becomes a space for reflection, survival, and rebirth.  All of the individuals are participants in My Wave’s programs, which use surfing as a therapeutic and educational tool for trauma survivors, at-risk youth, and individuals with disabilities from across Israeli society. Since October 7th, the organization has been playing a crucial role in supporting those who were affected by the war.