February 15, 2010

Representative Baird Visits Gaza Community Mental Health Programme:

Promises aCommitment of Support to the Palestinian People

A U.S. Congressional delegation, Representative Brian Baird, staff member, Mr. Nicholas Palarino, and UNRWA representative, Ms. Stephanie Fox recently visited GCMHP. The delegation was received by Dr. Eyad El Sarraj, GCMHP President, Husam El Nounou, Deputy Director for Management Affairs, and Marwan Diab, Public Relations Director. The meeting focused on, the latest developments of the situation in Gaza, particularly its devastating impact upon the mental health of the Palestinian people.

Dr. El Sarraj pointed to the enormity of violence which our people have endured, and the dramatic effects upon their psychological well-being. In particular, the deteriorating social, economic, and political conditions, which are a direct result of the Israeli siege and occupation, are causing our people to suffer from trauma and depression.

Dr. El-Sarraj also elaborated upon the effects of the last Israeli assault on the Palestinian citizens, especially on children, in which GCMHP research findings showed that there were significant inter-correlations among children subjected to extreme levels of violence, their negative behaviors and their views on political and social peace. Dr. El-Sarraj emphasized that human beings who are exposed to violence often identify with their aggressor and are more likely to practice violence against others.  Such behavioral reactions create a circle of violence and counter-violence which further deepens hatred, engenders distrust, and diminishes the individual's feeling of security in the society.  

Dr. EL Sarraj discussed with the guest delegation how the Palestinian children's image of their fathers. who represent the symbol of power, protection and providers, dramatically altered when they witnessed that their fathers were incapable of shielding them from the violence of the war. As a result, children began to search for alternative ways, albeit violent, to feel empowered and protected Dr. El Sarraj concluded the discussion by stating that all what remained in the minds of our children was the destructive image of the Israeli war machine with all its brutality and relentlessness, which targeted everything in Gaza even the children’s innocence.

Regarding the current political situation in Gaza, Dr. El Sarraj reflected that "It is important to give the Palestinian people the opportunity to decide their destination. All what the Palestinian people want is security, safety and living with dignity on their land. This can be achieved through bridging the gap among the Palestinians and achieving national reconciliation." He also underscored the positive role that the U.S. Administration and regional forces can achieve towards this reconciliation. Dr. El-Sarraj added that the United States should make an effort to open dialogue with Hamas and recognize them as an integral part of the Palestinian socio-political fabric.

Dr. El Sarraj called upon the U.S. Administration to translate President Obama's speech in Egypt into actions, by striving to lift the oppressive siege on our people and to ameliorate the Palestinians’ living conditions for the sake of justice and equality.

Congressman Baird equally praised President Obama's speech in Egypt and echoed Dr. El Sarraj’s plea to execute the promises made, particularly to safeguard the credibility of the United States before its people and the world.

Congressman Baird expressed his genuine support for the Palestinian people and generates the same commitment from his fellow members of the U.S. Congress. He also called on the American government to stop giving false hopes to the Palestinians, stressing the necessity of understanding the dire situation in Gaza in order to achieve justice and peace.  

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme