Sydney Conference Focuses on Mental Health Impact of Palestine Crisis on Muslim Communities
The event brought together mental health professionals and community workers to address the growing impact of the Israeli brutal war, particularly among displaced Palestinians.
Dr. Yassir Abu-Jami, a psychiatrist with the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, highlighted the profound effects of the ongoing war on Gaza’s population.
Abu-Jami, who has been providing mental health support since 2004, recently spent several months in a refugee camp following the events of October 7, 2023, Press TV reported on Tuesday.
"Palestinian people are extremely frustrated, despaired, and angry. These three feelings are because the Palestinian community is among the most intellectual communities globally. They understand what human rights are about. They understand how the international community should react to these acts of injustice, and they expect to be treated like the other communities in the world, you know, with the same respect, with the same dignity," he said.
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In addition to discussing the trauma experienced by Palestinians, the conference also addressed the rise in Islamophobia in Australia.
According to the director of the Islamophobia Register Australia, there has been a significant increase in Islamophobia-related incidents since the start of Gaza war last October.
“The incidence of Islamophobia is now not just about anti-Muslim and anti-Islam hate or fear or, you know, bias. We're actually seeing the intersection of anti-Palestinian hate on the ground,” said Noora Amath, director of the register.
She noted that expressing solidarity with Palestine has increasingly become a reason for individuals to be targeted in Islamophobia-related attacks.
The conference aimed to raise awareness about the psychological challenges faced by Palestinians, as well as those living in Australia who are impacted by the war. Experts at the event emphasized the importance of providing community support, guidance, and culturally sensitive mental health services during these difficult times.
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The two-day event took place at the Western Sydney University (WSU) Bankstown City Campus. Day one, held on October 21, focused on equipping mental health professionals, educators, youth workers, and religious leaders with evidence-based, culturally appropriate strategies for supporting Muslim communities affected by the conflict.
Day two, on October 22, provided workshops, psycho-spiritual circles, and forums for Palestinian and Arab individuals directly affected by the war. This session was led by Palestinian professionals and focused on trauma, healing, and the unique experiences of Palestinians living in the diaspora.
Source: Agencies
