Palestinians face a number of challenges, many of which stem from decades of occupation, violence and oppression. These experiences not only leave physical wounds, but also psychological wounds that can have a variety of effects. Many of those affected suffer from severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. This is not just about the traumatic experiences of individuals – the whole of society is affected. This can be seen, for example, in the transmission of violence within families.
The conflict in Palestine and Israel is characterized by a clear power imbalance and mutual mistrust. Against this backdrop, encounters between Palestinians and Israelis are associated with high hurdles and hardly ever take place. The result is a lack of information on both sides, which reinforces prejudice and hatred. Peace and dialogue initiatives are coming under increasing pressure on both sides and young people who speak out in favor of encounter and dialogue are being further isolated.
Our Partner Organization
In Palestine, we have been cooperating with Wings of Hope for Trauma since 2011. Our partner organization runs a trauma care center in Bethlehem, where women and children receive trauma therapy and educational support.
In addition to therapeutic work, the organization contributes to the dissemination of psychotraumatology expertise in Palestinian society. Through prevention, it ensures that trauma and other mental illnesses are better recognized and that those affected receive appropriate support. We support the work of Wings of Hope for Trauma by providing professional training and ongoing support for their therapists.
Contact Us
Atran Youkhana
Project Coordination Middle East
atran.youkhana@wings-of-hope.de
Phone: +49 89 50 80 88-52
Professional Training for Trauma Specialists
We are strengthening healthcare in the Palestinian territories.
In Palestine, we have been training trauma specialists from our partner organization and employees of the local health system since 2006. In a total of seven training rounds, we were able to certify a total of 140 psychologists and educators in trauma therapy, trauma pedagogical skills and trauma counseling.
They apply what they have learned in their work with severely traumatized people and thus make an important contribution to overcoming experiences of violence and stabilizing families and communities.
Graduates of our professional training courses in Palestine take part in an annual international refresher seminar at Labenbachhof in Ruhpolding.
Dialogue between Palestinian and Israeli young people
We create safe spaces for encounters.
Since 2009, we have been supporting an informal network of Palestinian and Israeli young people who are committed to dialogue and understanding and a peaceful solution to the conflict based on equal rights for all people in Palestine and Israel.
The young activists meet in a trauma-sensitive setting and discuss the situation in their countries. They do not ignore the occupation and the power imbalance between their groups.
Every year, five Palestinian and five Israeli members of the youth network take part in the Summer Academy for Intercultural Dialogue in Germany.
