Gazans Heal Trauma Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Seventy Gazan colleagues with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine continue to provide trauma healing workshops to children and adults despite living in conditions impacted by ongoing conflict. For the past two years, these counselors have led sessions focused on deep breathing, movement, and creative expression in spaces often threatened by violence.

The Center has operated parallel programs in Gaza and Israel since 2002, expanding through local partnerships and training. Data collected by the Center indicates positive outcomes.

Of 200 adults with severe depressive symptoms, 84% reported normal levels after completing a five-session program. Similarly, of 200 children initially diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, only 30% still met the criteria after the sessions, even as conflict continued.

Currently, the team is transitioning from immediate survival mode to addressing profound grief, all while navigating a fragile ceasefire and the ongoing presence of drones. Despite immense personal loss, including colleagues and family members, they maintain a hopeful outlook, finding purpose in supporting their community and believing in the possibility of renewal.