In an effort to provide much-needed psychological support to displaced women in Gaza, Caritas Jerusalem recently organized a session for women living in Al-Khair Camp in the city of Al-Zawayda. The session, which took place on January 11, 2025, was designed to help women cope with the mental and emotional challenges they face due to ongoing displacement and the difficult living conditions in the camp.

This initiative was made possible through the collaboration of Caritas Jerusalem and Dr. Muhammad Shbeir Law Office, with the invaluable support of Dr. Muhammad Shbeir, Caritas Jerusalem's Legal Advisor. His contribution played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this event, reinforcing the importance of legal support in humanitarian efforts.

A life-changing initiative for resilient women

Caritas Jerusalem is committed to providing holistic support to those affected by the ongoing conflict, and the psychological well-being of displaced women is a priority. The event brought together 25 women from the camp, who have been enduring the harsh realities of displacement, including the loss of homes, lack of privacy, and constant insecurity.

What makes this initiative even more inspiring is that the session was led by two remarkable women, Rasha and Riham, both of whom are volunteers with Caritas Jerusalem. These sisters have an incredible story of resilience: they survived a devastating missile attack in Deir al-Balah, Gaza, in October 2023, where they lost Rasha’s only son, Ahmad, and Riham sustained serious injuries. Despite these traumatic experiences, they chose to dedicate their time and energy to helping other women in similar situations. Their strength and determination to continue serving their community is truly inspiring.

The psychological support session titled, "Causes of Psychological Stress During War and Ways to Overcome It," was structured to help women understand the sources of stress they face, particularly during times of conflict and displacement. The session focused on discussing the challenges these women encounter daily, such as the loss of their homes, displacement, and living in overcrowded camps with limited resources. It also provided an opportunity for the women to share their own personal stories, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared experience.

During the session, the women learned about the various types of psychological stress caused by their circumstances. Techniques for identifying and managing stress were introduced, including strategies for building resilience and maintaining positive mental health despite difficult conditions. The session also featured interactive activities, such as the "Spider Web" and "Circles" exercises, which helped participants explore their emotional well-being and understand the importance of their personal relationships.

In addition to the informative discussions, the session included fun and engaging recreational activities, such as the "Cones Race" and "Paper and Letters" exercises, which allowed the women to relax and bond with each other. These activities not only provided a break from the daily stresses of camp life but also helped strengthen the sense of community among the participants.

This psychological support session is part of Caritas Jerusalem's ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive care and support to those affected by conflict in Gaza. By focusing on both the emotional and physical well-being of displaced women, Caritas Jerusalem hopes to empower them to cope with their challenges and build resilience for the future.

Caritas Jerusalem’s commitment to serving those in need, especially the most vulnerable members of society, remains steadfast. Despite the hardships faced by these women, the session provided them with valuable tools to better manage stress and navigate the challenges of their daily lives. The organization continues to stand by the people of Gaza, offering hope, solidarity, and support in these difficult times.