Palestinians face a number of challenges, many of which stem from decades of occupation, violence and oppression. These experiences leave not only physical, but also psychological wounds that can have a variety of effects. Many 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 observed, 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 fraught with obstacles and rarely occur. The result is a lack of information on both sides, which reinforces prejudice and hatred. On both sides, peace and dialogue initiatives are under increasing pressure and young adults who speak out in favor of 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 helps to disseminate expertise in psychotraumatology in Palestinian society. Through prevention, they ensure 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 the health care system 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 have certified a total of 140 psychologists and social workers in trauma therapy, trauma pedagogics and trauma counseling.
They apply what they have learned in their work with severely traumatized people, making an important contribution to overcoming experiences of violence and stabilizing families and communities.
Each year, graduates of our training courses in Palestine take part in an international refresher seminar at Labenbachhof in Ruhpolding.
Dialogue between Palestinian and Israeli Youth
We create safe spaces for encounters.
Since 2009, we have been supporting an informal network of Palestinian and Israeli youth who are committed to dialogue, understanding, and a peaceful resolution of the conflict based on equal rights for all people in Palestine and Israel.
The young activists meet in a trauma-sensitive environment and discuss the situation in their countries. They do not ignore the occupation and the power imbalance between their groups.
Each year, five Palestinian and five Israeli members of the youth network participate in the Summer Academy for Intercultural Dialogue in Germany.
