#trauma counseling for the children of gaza

[news4dzhozhar]

[desultory-suggestions]

The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund (PCRF) is still and always in need of donations. Whether you can offer a dollar or a hundred, please do what you can to fund the powerful and direct support the PCRF is offering during this horrific genocide. Continue to share these resources, and do not let yourself become used to the violence and terror that Palestinians are living through. The money donated to the PCRF will not only offer immediate support to families, but will continue to be used to rebuild and recover in the long term.

“Our "Gaza Relief and Recovery" campaign aims to address urgent humanitarian needs and support long-term recovery efforts in Gaza. The funds raised will primarily focus on immediate relief, including providing essential medical supplies, food, medical treatment, clean water, and other necessities for families affected by the conflict. Additionally, our campaign will support rebuilding healthcare facilities and providing long-term support through impactful programs and projects to support the needs of children and the health sector in Gaza. It will also allocate resources towards trauma counseling, mental health support, and other initiatives for children affected by the conflict, aiming to foster healing and resilience within the community.” (PCRF, 2024).

[ohello0]

In honor of Women's History Month and International Women's Day, I would like to dedicate a post to ways we can help women around the world facing genocide and gender based violence. Below are a list of organizations and groups to donate to focused on bettering the lives of and providing direct aid to women and girls in areas of conflict. This is an evolving list/resource so I will gladly take suggestions or edit requests from anyone who knows of a verified group helping women and girls that could be added to this list.

Access to Menstrual Products and Repro Healthcare

Sudan, Palestine, DRCongo, Lebanon

Sudan

Periods don’t stop for war: For every $5 Donated a woman or girl in Sudan receives a menstrual hygiene kit for the month

Let's Talk Period: As disposable menstrual hygiene products are too expensive for most women, grassroots groups have popped up to make, distribute, and educate other women and girls on how to make their own reusable pads.

Sudan Charity Navigator: A list of charities including Doctors Without Borders and food assistance groups providing aid to Sudan

Darfur Women Action Group: DWAG advocates for the protection of civilians, promotes women’s leadership, provides elementary education for children in refugee camps, and provides trauma counseling for survivors of sexual violence

Amal for Women: Amal For Women was able to help people in Al-Jazeera state, Darfur and refugees in Egypt. GoFundMe/PayPal doesn’t release the funds raised until the 25th of March. Please consider donating to reach more people the rest of Ramadan and Eid. Other donation links and more info here

Palestine

Pious Projects: "At $20 each, this kit will include - but is not limited to - sanitary pads, a hair brush, tooth brush, toothpaste, cotton swabs, wipes, tissues, and other hygienic items depending on availability. Distributions will take place in various areas accessible to on-ground teams such as camps in Rafah and UN schools."

Anera: there’s a list of things certain amounts of money can get the people of Palestine, $10 can get a family a blanket for winter, $40 can provide hygiene kits that include menstrual products, and $75+ can get people a mattress and more

Arab.Org: Free daily clicks generate ad revenue that goes to UNRWA. This link in particular shows you a full list of specific projects in need of funds you can also give to with a click from poverty to the environment to a fund focused on women.

DRCongo

City of Joy: “The City of Joy is a transformational leadership community for women survivors of violence, located in Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Conceived, owned, and run by local Congolese, the City of Joy has flourished since it first opened its doors in June 2011, healing women from their past trauma through therapy and life skills programming while providing them with the essential ingredients needed to move forward in life – love and community.”

Panzi Foundation: “Every day, between 5 and 7 new survivors walk through our doors. For 20 years, we’ve not only mended each woman’s injuries, we’ve walked with them to healing—every step of the way.”

Lebanon

Global Giving | Days for Girls Lebanon: Health education and locally made washable menstrual kits to women and girls since 2011

Products for Babies and Children

Palestine, Yemen, Sudan, DRCongo

Palestine

Care For Gaza: The work Care For Gaza does is all-encompassing by necessity. From food to money packages to winter clothes to diapers for babies and disabled or elderly adults, Care For Gaza is an on the ground group providing direct aid to Gazans.

Yemen

Go Fund Me: Food Packs and Eid Gifts for the People of Yemen

Sudan

Human Appeal | Sudan Emergency Appeal: Funds orphanages, food, and baby formula

DRCongo

War Child: Tiered donations can provide children with school books, meals, and toys

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is an evolving list/resource so I will gladly take suggestions or edit requests from anyone who knows of a verified group helping women and girls that could be added to this list.

[gracebriarwoodwrites]

One of my dearest friends has created this fundraiser for the Palestine Children's Relief Fund. Today, December 10th, is the last day that the raffle is live. Even if you are seeing this post after the raffle closes, I encourage you to donate to the PCRF!

Every Palestinian in Palestine and in the diaspora has lost loved ones. This grief is immeasurable and anything we can do to help is essential. We can help save lives now and help with Gaza's recovery in the future.

(from their site)

Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF)'s stated campaign goals: 

Our "Gaza Relief and Recovery" campaign aims to address urgent humanitarian needs and support long-term recovery efforts in Gaza. The funds raised will primarily focus on immediate relief, including providing essential medical supplies, food, medical treatment, clean water, and other necessities for families affected by the conflict. Additionally, our campaign will support rebuilding healthcare facilities and providing long-term support through impactful programs and projects to support the needs of children and the health sector in Gaza. It will also allocate resources towards trauma counseling, mental health support, and other initiatives for children affected by the conflict, aiming to foster healing and resilience within the community.

[harmonyhealinghub]

Making a Difference: Supporting Gaza's Children through PCRF Shaina Tranquilino January 27, 2024

As the calendar flips to a new year, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past and setting resolutions for the future. In this spirit of giving back, one of my New Year's resolutions for 2024 is to donate to twelve different organizations throughout the year, each dedicated to helping those in need. For January, I have chosen to contribute to the Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) - specifically their Urgent Relief and Recovery program, which aims to provide essential aid and support to Gaza's children.

Understanding the Crisis: The situation in Gaza has been dire for years due to political conflicts and economic instability. However, it is often the children who suffer most from these circumstances. They endure trauma, limited access to healthcare and education, malnutrition, and lack of opportunities necessary for a bright future. This ongoing crisis necessitates immediate assistance for these vulnerable young lives.

Why Choose PCRF? When researching various organizations focused on aiding children in Palestine, I discovered that PCRF consistently receives high praise for its effective initiatives and commitment to making a difference. Their focus on providing medical care, psychological support, educational resources, and humanitarian aid aligns perfectly with my desire to help improve the lives of Gaza's children.

Urgent Relief and Recovery Program: One particular campaign that caught my attention within PCRF is their Urgent Relief and Recovery initiative. This program recognizes the pressing needs faced by Gaza's children daily – needs that require immediate attention. Through this program, PCRF provides emergency medical aid, supports hospitals with life-saving equipment and medications, offers mental health counselling services, facilitates post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment sessions, and supplies food packages for families facing severe poverty, among other urgent relief measures.

Making an Impact: By donating to PCRF's Urgent Relief and Recovery program this month, we can make a tangible impact on the lives of Gaza's children. Our contributions will go directly towards providing essential medical care, psychological support, and vital resources to those who need them most.

Encouraging Others: In our pursuit to make a difference, it is crucial to encourage others to join us in supporting this cause. By sharing our experiences and spreading awareness about organizations like PCRF, we can inspire more individuals to contribute towards creating positive change for Gaza's children. Together, we have the power to amplify our impact and bring hope to those who are suffering.

As I embark on my journey of donating to twelve different organizations throughout the year, I am thrilled that January brings an opportunity to support Palestine Children's Relief Fund (PCRF) and their Urgent Relief and Recovery program. By contributing to this noble cause, I hope to play a small part in improving the lives of Gaza's children who desperately need our help. Let us remember that no act of kindness is too small when it comes from a place of compassion and empathy. Join me in making a difference today!

[raimagnolia]

They're gonna need more. Those countries plus Norway have taken away about 1.1 billion dollars of their funding.

UNRWA USA is a 501c3 nonprofit registered with the IRS allows US taxpayers to make tax-deductible donations to the fullest extent allowed by law. Their Federal Tax Identification Number is 20-2714426. The IRS letter confirming our 501c3 status is available for downloading here in PDF format.

More than this, UNRWA USA was created to educate the American public about the work of UNRWA (the UN Agency) to benefit Palestine refugees and fundraise for specific UNRWA projects where we can have an impact. We like to think of ourselves as goodwill ambassadors for UNRWA. We carry out our work here in the States through events like the Gaza 5K, a charity walk/run that raises funds to provide mental health counseling to children in the Gaza Strip suffering from PTSD and other psychological trauma.

The United States government is UNRWA's number one donor, but as Palestine refugees fade from the spotlight, it is critical that Americans donate. Doing so shows the US government that Americans care about Palestine refugees -- and that it needs to continue supporting them. Because if we don't, who will?

Our monthly donation program is called the Solidarity Sustainers and you can join it by setting up an automatic payment through our website at: unrwausa.org/monthly.

[safirefire]

Saw this watermelon soap at lush today and 100% of the proceeds go to trauma counseling for children in Gaza. If you buy in the store you can ask them to slice off how much ever you can pay for I asked for $5 worth and they cut off a good size chunk that ended up only being $4 you really don’t have to spend a lot

[learnandturn]

Hi, I am Youssef Helles

This is my third account after the other two were suspended

I'm fighting for everyone and just want help with my campaign

I didn't do anything illegal, I just asked for help

I hope you can help me by donating or sharing

Hello, my name is Yousef Hilles from Gaza. I followed my campaign and was verified by @el-shab-hussein I hope you can help Campaign number (206)

https://www.gofundme.com/f/btuqqt-save-my-familys-life

Youssef's family needs your help! His wife and five children are stuck in Gaza. They have only raised 15,186 of the 23,000 that they need to get to safety. If you have even a dollar to spare, please help Youssef's family. This is from their campaign:

My name is Youssef Helles, 42 years old. In 2019, I left Gaza in search of a better life for my family. I arrived in Belgium, hoping to secure a future for my wife and our five children, the youngest of whom, Zain, was born after I left. I've never seen him.

Since October 7, our lives have been turned upside down. The situation in Gaza has become unbearable. My family was forced to flee our home on Al-Nasr Street after receiving threats from the Israeli army. Under a hail of bullets and continuous shelling, my wife and children walked 8 kilometers along Salah al-Din Street to escape to southern Gaza. I can still hear the screams of my five-year-old son Zain: “Get us out of here, Dad. We are dying.”

Their journey through escape routes was a harrowing experience. My children have witnessed unimaginable atrocities: bodies lying in the streets, homes reduced to rubble, and the constant fear of being targeted. They saw death around every corner, and their innocent eyes were distorted forever. Their souls, once filled with joy and laughter, were now burdened by the heavy burden of shock and fear.

They initially found shelter in an UNRWA school in Khan Yunis, but it quickly became unsafe. They were instructed to move to Rafah, where they now live in a makeshift tent next to a wall, with the earth as their bed and the sky as their cover, lacking basic necessities such as medicine, water and food.

Recently, the situation in Rafah worsened, forcing my family to flee again, this time to the beach in Deir al-Balah. They are now without any way to survive. I do everything I can to support them from afar, but the fear of losing them haunts me, especially after I lost many of my relatives in Gaza.

Escaping Gaza comes at a high cost. Each adult needs 5,000 euros, and each child needs 2,500 euros to cross the Rafah border into Egypt. This is beyond my capabilities.

I appeal to all compassionate hearts: please help me evacuate my wife and children from Gaza. Any contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference and save their lives. Or restore their lives normally and build their future

Thank you from my heart,

1- Relocation and resettlement expenses: Covering the costs of moving from Gaza and resettlement in a safe and stable environment.

2- Housing and facilities: Ensuring that they have a safe and stable home in their new location.

3- Food and basic necessities: Providing daily necessities for Youssef’s family

4- Education: Covering school fees, supplies and other educational expenses for children to ensure their continued education.

5- Health care: Access to medical care and necessary treatments, especially after exposure to such trauma.

6- Legal and administrative support: Assistance with the legal and administrative processes involved in their transfer and resettlement.

7- Emotional Support: Resources for counseling and mental health support to help Youssef and his family cope with their loss and adjust to their new lives.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will have a huge impact on the lives of Joseph and his family. By coming together as a community, we can help them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future.

From pain

Youssef Helles

[maybeamultiverse]

Hi, I am Youssef Helles

This is my third account after the other two were suspended

I'm fighting for everyone and just want help with my campaign

I didn't do anything illegal, I just asked for help

I hope you can help me by donating or sharing

Hello, my name is Yousef Hilles from Gaza. I followed my campaign and was verified by @el-shab-hussein I hope you can help Campaign number (206)

https://www.gofundme.com/f/btuqqt-save-my-familys-life

Here is the link to Youssef's fundairser, and the link to the campaign verification document created and organized by @el-shab-hussein. Please check out this blog for further information on how to donate and spread awareness about Palestine.

Here is Youssef's own words:

My name is Youssef Helles, 42 years old. In 2019, I left Gaza in search of a better life for my family. I arrived in Belgium, hoping to secure a future for my wife and our five children, the youngest of whom, Zain, was born after I left. I've never seen him. Since October 7, our lives have been turned upside down. The situation in Gaza has become unbearable. My family was forced to flee our home on Al-Nasr Street after receiving threats from the Israeli army. Under a hail of bullets and continuous shelling, my wife and children walked 8 kilometers along Salah al-Din Street to escape to southern Gaza. I can still hear the screams of my five-year-old son Zain: “Get us out of here, Dad. We are dying.” Their journey through escape routes was a harrowing experience. My children have witnessed unimaginable atrocities: bodies lying in the streets, homes reduced to rubble, and the constant fear of being targeted. They saw death around every corner, and their innocent eyes were distorted forever. Their souls, once filled with joy and laughter, were now burdened by the heavy burden of shock and fear. They initially found shelter in an UNRWA school in Khan Yunis, but it quickly became unsafe. They were instructed to move to Rafah, where they now live in a makeshift tent next to a wall, with the earth as their bed and the sky as their cover, lacking basic necessities such as medicine, water and food. Recently, the situation in Rafah worsened, forcing my family to flee again, this time to the beach in Deir al-Balah. They are now without any way to survive. I do everything I can to support them from afar, but the fear of losing them haunts me, especially after I lost many of my relatives in Gaza. Escaping Gaza comes at a high cost. Each adult needs 5,000 euros, and each child needs 2,500 euros to cross the Rafah border into Egypt. This is beyond my capabilities. I appeal to all compassionate hearts: please help me evacuate my wife and children from Gaza. Any contribution, no matter how small, can make a difference and save their lives. Or restore their lives normally and build their future Thank you from my heart, 1- Relocation and resettlement expenses: Covering the costs of moving from Gaza and resettlement in a safe and stable environment. 2- Housing and facilities: Ensuring that they have a safe and stable home in their new location. 3- Food and basic necessities: Providing daily necessities for Youssef’s family 4- Education: Covering school fees, supplies and other educational expenses for children to ensure their continued education. 5- Health care: Access to medical care and necessary treatments, especially after exposure to such trauma. 6- Legal and administrative support: Assistance with the legal and administrative processes involved in their transfer and resettlement. 7- Emotional Support: Resources for counseling and mental health support to help Youssef and his family cope with their loss and adjust to their new lives. Every contribution, no matter how small, will have a huge impact on the lives of Joseph and his family. By coming together as a community, we can help them rebuild their lives and find hope for the future. From pain Youssef Helles

[ambassadorarlert]

Tarot for Palestine

i’ve worked with and have taken care of children literally all of my life. i always teach the kids i care for about kindness, unity, how culture and language makes us all special and important, and that we are all friends. i want to use my spiritual skills to make a difference to my all of my friends in Palestine. 🇵🇸

I’ve chosen PCRF (Palestine Children’s Relief Fund) as my charity for this occasion. So far, they have raised $23M, which is 80% of their $30M goal. Their primary focus is to provide food, supplies, medical treatment, clean water, and more for the children in Gaza. Their funds will also be used to fund long term resources such as mental health support and trauma counseling. For each donation that is given, I will provide a personalized tarot reading as a thank you. Naturally, a few rules apply:

RULES:

- must be over the age of 18

- donation amount must be a minimum of $10

- only one donation per person

- please provide a screenshot of your donation (remember to take out all the personal details!), along with your name, age, where you’re from, and your birthday in MM/DD/YYYY format. no other personal information is required.

No child should ever have to face a reality that we cannot even imagine for our own selves.

(Disclaimer : i am a tarot reader, not a psychic or medium. all readings are confidential and will not be shared or discussed. tarot reading does not predict the future but are based on the probable outcome of events which is influenced by the current behaviour and attitude of the querant and those around them. i am not qualified to give specific financial, legal, or medical advice.)

[pennyappealusaseo]

Giving Hope to Gaza: Rebuilding Lives Amidst Adversity

The Gaza Strip, a small but densely populated Palestinian territory, has long been a focal point of conflict and hardship. Situated on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, Gaza has faced numerous challenges, including economic struggles, infrastructure damage, and humanitarian crises. However, amidst the adversity, there are stories of resilience and hope, as individuals and organizations work tirelessly to rebuild lives and communities.

Historical Context

To understand the current situation in Gaza, it's essential to examine its historical context. Gaza has a rich history dating back thousands of years, with periods of prosperity and cultural significance. However, in recent decades, it has been marred by conflict and instability, with ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestinian groups. The blockade imposed on Gaza has led to severe restrictions on movement, trade, and access to essential resources, exacerbating the challenges faced by its residents.

Challenges Faced by Gaza

Gaza faces multifaceted challenges, including economic hardship, inadequate infrastructure, and frequent humanitarian crises. The blockade has crippled the economy, leading to high unemployment rates and widespread poverty. Moreover, the region's infrastructure has been severely damaged due to conflicts, affecting essential services such as electricity, water, and healthcare.

International Aid Efforts

Despite the challenges, Gaza receives support from various international aid organizations, NGOs, and governments. These efforts aim to provide humanitarian assistance, rebuild infrastructure, and promote sustainable development. NGOs play a crucial role in delivering aid directly to communities in need, while government initiatives focus on long-term reconstruction projects. Additionally, international organizations coordinate relief efforts and advocate for the rights of Palestinians in Gaza.

Community Resilience

Despite the adversity, the people of Gaza demonstrate remarkable resilience and strength in the face of hardship. Stories of hope abound as individuals and communities come together to support one another and rebuild their lives. Whether through small acts of kindness or larger-scale initiatives, Gaza's residents remain steadfast in their determination to overcome challenges and create a better future for themselves and their children.

Educational Initiatives

Education plays a vital role in rebuilding Gaza's society and economy. Despite the challenges, efforts are underway to provide educational opportunities for children and adults alike. Schools, universities, and vocational training programs are essential in empowering individuals and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Healthcare Support

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, yet Gaza faces significant challenges in providing adequate medical services to its residents. The healthcare system has been strained by years of conflict and underfunding, leading to shortages of medical supplies and trained personnel. International medical aid efforts aim to address these challenges and improve access to quality healthcare for all residents of Gaza.

Psychological Support

The psychological toll of living in a conflict zone cannot be overstated. Many residents of Gaza suffer from trauma, anxiety, and depression as a result of ongoing violence and instability. Counseling and support programs are essential in addressing these mental health issues and helping individuals cope with their experiences.

Rebuilding Infrastructure

Reconstructing Gaza's damaged infrastructure is essential for the region's long-term stability and prosperity. Efforts are underway to rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and other critical infrastructure that has been destroyed or damaged during conflicts. However, progress is slow, hindered by limited resources, bureaucratic hurdles, and ongoing security concerns.

Environmental Sustainability

Promoting environmental sustainability is crucial for Gaza's future development. Efforts to mitigate environmental damage, such as pollution and depletion of natural resources, are underway. Initiatives focused on renewable energy, waste management, and conservation aim to create a more sustainable and resilient Gaza for future generations.

Empowering Women

Women play a vital role in rebuilding Gaza's society and economy. Efforts to empower women through education, employment opportunities, and leadership roles are essential for promoting gender equality and social progress. Women's participation in decision-making processes and community development initiatives is crucial for building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Youth Engagement

Engaging youth in rebuilding efforts is essential for Gaza's future success. Youth-led initiatives and programs aim to harness the energy, creativity, and potential of young people to drive positive change in their communities. By investing in education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, Gaza can unleash the full potential of its youth and build a brighter future for generations to come.

Cultural Revival

Preserving Gaza's rich cultural heritage is vital for maintaining the region's identity and sense of belonging. Cultural events, festivals, and initiatives celebrate Gaza's history, traditions, and artistic achievements. By supporting cultural revival efforts, Gaza can reclaim its cultural heritage and strengthen its resilience in the face of adversity.

International Solidarity

Support from the international community is essential for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction efforts. Solidarity movements, advocacy campaigns, and humanitarian aid initiatives demonstrate global support for the people of Gaza and their quest for justice, peace, and dignity. By standing in solidarity with Gaza, the international community can help alleviate suffering and promote a brighter future for all.

Conclusion

In conclusion, giving hope to Gaza is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for achieving peace and stability in the region. Despite the challenges faced by Gaza, there are reasons for optimism as individuals, organizations, and governments work together to rebuild lives and communities. By addressing the root causes of conflict, investing in education and healthcare, and promoting sustainable development, we can create a brighter future for the people of Gaza

[nemethcch]

Events in Israel and Palestine

**views and opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Nemeth Counseling and Consultation staff **

According to statements by APA, “The field of psychiatry depends on the free exchange of scientific ideas and discoveries independent of any interference from politically or ideologically motivated groups or movements.” Moreover, “any attack on institutions of higher learning and individual scientists, academics, and researchers based on political policy halts academic freedoms and negatively affects the vital role research plays for our patients and profession.” 

History and Timeline of Violence

https://jewishvoiceforpeace.org/israeli-palestinian-conflict-101/ 

Understanding the violence in Israel and Palestine 101

https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-44124396

This article provides an explanation of the most recent violence between Israel and Palestine. The article also provides a brief background on the ongoing conflict over Jerusalem and some of the patterns of violence that have occurred throughout history.

https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/what-us-policy-israeli-palestinian-conflict

Basic info on the timeline of events

Impact of Events Across the World

https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2021/05/why-does-israel-palestine-get-so-much-attention-in-the-u-s.html

This article explains how American society is involved in and impacted by the violence between Israel and Palestine.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/19/us/jews-israel-palestine.html

As the violence escalates in the Middle East, turmoil of a different kind is growing across the Atlantic. Many young American Jews are confronting the region’s longstanding strife in a very different context, with very different pressures, from their parents’ and grandparents’ generations.

https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-commentary/israel-palestine-jewish-american-support-1172309/

For many American Jews who were raised to see Palestinians as the enemy, it might come as a shock to recognize the Israeli military as the aggressor in this situation, or to mourn the victims of that strike. American Jews are raised to believe in the infallibility of Israel, how the intergenerational trauma of the Holocaust shapes our view of the region, and how our history of oppression should make us even more empathetic to the displacement and killing of Palestinians.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-palestinian-conflict-fuels-anti-semitism-us-and-europe/

The Anti-Defamation League received 193 reports of antisemitism in the U.S. last week — a 47% increase from the previous week. This article has many examples of anti Semitism in the US and in other countries.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/25/us/new-york-gen-z-students-antisemitism-soh/index.html

Young Jewish Americans rocked by new hate fueled by Israel-Palestinian conflict

Impacts Specific to Mental Health

https://quod.lib.umich.edu/j/jmmh/10381607.0007.102/--mental-health-stigma-in-the-muslim-community?rgn=main;view=fulltext

This article explores mental health stigma in the Muslim Community.

https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/north-africa-west-asia/mental-health-in-conflict-occupation-therapy-needed-for-pa/

Unsurprisingly, trauma and anxiety prevail as the most prominent effects of living in the occupied Palestinian territories (oPt), with women and children suffering disproportionately from mental health disorders. In Gaza, suicide rates have soared – grassroots NGO We Are Not Numbers (WANN) noting 80 suicides per month in January and February 2016, an increase of 160 per cent compared to previous years. For Palestinians, trauma is not a past event – it is growing up in a continued traumatic environment with no end in sight and thus individual diagnoses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) do not fit within the Palestinian context. In fact, placing such labels on victims within this special context can do more harm than good. Individual diagnoses strip individuals of their context and in the Palestinian case vitally exclude the narratives of violation and injustice. 

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/trauma-helpline-taking-calls-gaza-during-conflict-beyond-2021-06-14/

Sawa - "Together" in Arabic - fielded around 37,000 calls during the May violence, twice its usual workload, with concerns such as safety, missing children and unexploded bombs added to the helpline's usual pleas for help with domestic abuse, child protection and mental health problems. Staff are limited to answering the phones for a maximum of 20 hours a week to prevent counselor burnout, but Sawa official Noor Nazzal said the gratitude of callers made a difficult job worthwhile.

https://scholar.utc.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1186&context=mps

“This paper explores what mental disorders can develop as a result of continued exposure to a conflict situation, specifically the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. A brief history of the region, and a summary of the current diplomatic situation are outlined to give a background to the subsequent information. The specific disorders prevalent in the region are identified and an explanation on how the ongoing conflict in the region exacerbates these disorders is provided These include Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, fear, Selective Mutism, Separation Anxiety, and somatoform disorders. PTSD is extremely prevalent within the young populations of both Palestine and Israel, being more common in the bombed areas. In addition to these disorders, anxiety disorders, such as separation anxiety, are more common in areas that are seldom attacked or areas that have not been affected” “Mental health professionals and social workers must remember the mindset of the population they are working with, that the Palestinian people have faced much adversity, and the Israelis have been under attack from all sides since the creation of their country.”

Resources for Client and Clinician Support and Action

https://usapalmhn.com/portfolio-item/organizations/ USA Palestine Mental Health Network

https://ohiojc.org/ Ohio Jewish Communities, made up by 8 Jewish federations of Ohio

https://www.adl.org/resources/backgrounders/jewish-voice-for-peace JVC against the actions of Israel

https://americansaa.org/ Americans against anti-Semitism 

[humility4humanity-blog]

Help me reach my NYC Gaza 5K fundraising goal and better the mental health of refugee children

Hi! I'm fundraising for UNRWA USA by participating in the Gaza 5K walk/run at Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York on Saturday, March 30, 2019.

I choose to show my solidarity with Palestine refugees by committing myself to raise money for UNRWA's Community Mental Health Programme. The trauma of the conflict and the stress of living under blockade, unable to leave the Gaza Strip, has left thousands of refugees, particularly children, in need of psycho-social support.

Their situation may seem hopeless, but by providing counseling through UNRWA, we can support their mental health, help them cope with their traumas, and improve their quality of life. Though I know I can't change the world for every refugee, with your support, I intend to reach as many children as possible.

If you share my commitment to bettering mental health for Palestine refugee children, please donate to my 5K run. Proceeds will go directly to the UNRWA Community Mental Health Programme and employ CMHP counselors -- refugees themselves -- in the Gaza Strip.

Thank you for joining me in showing Palestine refugees that Americans care, and for giving what you can!

[alaturkanews]

Israeli air strikes kill 11 Palestinian children receiving trauma counselling by the NRC

Israeli air strikes kill 11 Palestinian children receiving trauma counselling by the NRC

Israeli air strikes killed 11 Palestinian children who were already receiving trauma counselling by the Norwegian Refugee Council. The children were aged between 5 and 15 years old, and died when their homes were bombed. #NRC #Children #Gaza Subscribe: http://trt.world/subscribe Livestream: http://trt.world/ytlive Facebook: http://trt.world/facebook Twitter: http://trt.world/twitter Instagram:…

[bookpiofficial]

Quality of Life of Palestine Children Exposed to Wars in Gaza | Chapter 02 | Current Trends in Disease and Health Vol. 2

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of trauma due to wars on quality of life of Palestine children living in Gaza with special reference to 2009 war.

It is analytic study; the study sample consisted of 195 children and adolescents who were selected purposely from three areas in the Gaza Strip. Those children exposed to variety of traumatic events besides losing their homes during ground incursion of the border and shelling and bombardment of the area. They were 101 boys (51.8%) and 94 girls (48.2%). The age ranged from 7 to 18 years with mean age of 12.84 (SD = 2.9). Children were assessed by socio-demographic questionnaire, Gaza Traumatic Events Checklist, and Health Related Quality of Life.

Results: The highest frequencies of reported traumatic events by Palestinians children were 97.9% hear shelling of the area by artillery, 93.3% hear the sonic sounds of the jetfighters, 90.8% watched mutilated bodies in TV, and 85.6% were forced to move from home to a safer place during the war. The study showed that mean total quality of life was 62.80, physical functioning was 69.87,   emotional functioning was 51.96, mean of social functioning was 77.62, and school functioning mean was 47.53. Total traumatic events reported by children were negatively strongly correlated with total Health Related Quality of Lief (HRQoL), physical, emotional, and social functioning. However, traumatic experiences by children were not correlated with school function.

Conclusion: In summary, this study not only supports the findings of the body of research as it relates to traumatic experiences in children and adolescents and impact of their health quality of life, but also has important implications for establishing and implementation of different psychosocial intervention programs for the school-aged population in Gaza Strip. There are need to be considered in the planning of educational and mental health support services by different governmental United Nations organizations, and non-governmental organization in Gaza. Also, successful treatment of the mental health symptoms associated with traumatic events first requires an acknowledgment of the trauma and then a process which allows for comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis.  

Author(s) Details

Prof. Abdelaziz Mousa Thabet Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Al-Quds University, School of Public Health, Child Institute, P.O.Box 5314, Gaza, Palestine.

Sanaa S. Thabet Child and Family Training and Counseling Center-NGO, Palestine.

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