March 2, 2009 issue
War over, trauma goes on in Gaza
By Gladys Terichow Mennonite Central CommitteePage:
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A Mennonite Central Committee partner is working to aid families harmed by the recent 22-day war in the Gaza Strip.
Suha Namrwouty, 6, learns letters and sounds from Ifidal Abu Madil at Al Shroq Wal Amal Children’s Center in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, in this 2004 photo. The center is supported by MCC’s Global Family education sponsorship program. — Photo by Ryan Beiler
“The war is over, but the suffering has not stopped,” said Majeda Al Saqqa, program director for the Culture and Free Thought Association, which provides cultural, health and educational programs for children, youth and women.
Children have been emotionally traumatized by the deaths of family members, classmates and friends. Some of the children have been physically hurt or have lost their homes and belongings.
Schools are offering classes again, but many educational facilities were destroyed during the war or used as shelters. Some schools have opened classrooms in tents near the rubble of the damaged buildings.
“Our children want to live a normal life,” Al Saqqa said. “We want them to be healthy and strong. This is our hope.”
The war and its aftermath follow months of insecurity and skyrocketing unemployment and poverty resulting from Israel’s economic blockade. Although the war is over, the economic blockade remains in place.
Heather Lehman, an MCC Jerusalem representative from Boswell, Pa., is a former teacher and children’s behavioral health specialist. Lehman said she shares Al Saqqa’s concerns that more must be done to address the emotional and psychological effects of the violence among children.
“It is important to recognize that the children of Gaza have experienced an exceptionally high level of violence for a prolonged period of time,” Lehman said. “To live in an environment of fear, chaos and violence can ultimately lead to a sense of hopelessness.”
Children are tomorrow’s leaders, and the actions of today will influence their outlook on the world and their personal values, she said.
Programs for children
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