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| UKPALMHN Solidarity Space Next meeting: Monday 10 March at 1pm (UK time) This is an open space where people exchange their emotional responses with a view to remaining resilient amidst a constant stream of distressing news. New Zoom link: please write to ukpalmhn@gmail.com if you would like a link to this meeting. You may want to look at this short video before the meeting #SickFromGenocide https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEgQGsBM304/?igsh=YWI2NHN6cWR4MDFm Why Israel cannot tolerate Palestinian emotion (10 minute video) Source: Middle East Eye on X Publication date: 4 March We recently included a link to an opinion piece in Middle East Eye called “Why Israel cannot tolerate Palestinian expressions of joy, anger and grief” by Network Steering Group member Gwyn Daniel. Gwyn subsequently recorded a 10 minute video based on the article. https://x.com/MiddleEastEye/status/1896921580929700096 This video has subsequently been promoted by Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian Territories. https://x.com/FranceskAlbs/status/1897172112399597644 Misinformation, McCarthyism, and the weaponisation of antisemitism: A response to ‘Psychologists Against Antisemitism’ Source: Palestine-Global Mental Health Network Publication Date: 28 February The Palestine-Global Mental Health Network strongly condemns the dishonest and inflammatory petition circulated by an ad hoc group calling itself Psychologists Against Antisemitism. This group does not formally represent the American Psychological Association (APA), yet it falsely postures as an authoritative body, exploiting APA channels to push a politically motivated agenda aimed at suppressing legitimate criticism of Israeli state violence. https://www.pgmhn.org/statements/misinformation-mccarthyism-and-the-weaponization-of-antisemitism The ‘grief of peace’ in Gaza post-ceasefire Source: Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Publication Date: 28 February Katrin Glatz Brubakk reflects on the complex emotions experienced by Gaza’s residents following the ceasefire. She notes that beyond physical destruction, the enduring uncertainty, fear, and trauma have deeply affected the community’s mental health. https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/latest/grief-peace-gaza-post-ceasefire Children in Gaza face long-term mental health challenges, report finds Source: The Progressive Publication Date: 25 February A report by War Child Alliance highlights the severe psychological impact of ongoing conflict on Gaza’s children. Findings indicate that 96% of children interviewed felt death was imminent, 87% displayed severe fear, and 49% expressed a desire to die due to the war. https://progressive.org/latest/children-in-gaza-face-long-term-mental-health-challenges-tuhus-20250225/ Extent of systematic torture, atrocities endured by Palestinians in Israeli prisons is shocking Source: Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor Publication Date: 29 February This report highlights the alarming and systematic use of torture against Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons. It underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address these human rights violations. https://euromedmonitor.org/en/article/6633/Extent-of-systematic-torture%2C-atrocities-endured-by-Palestinians-in-Israeli-prisons-is-shocking No Other Land – how to watch it (full list of sources) The 2025 winner of the Oscar for the Best Documentary offers a powerful view of destruction in the West Bank and the unlikely friendship between a Palestinian film-maker and an Israeli journalist. https://releasing.dogwoof.com/no-other-land Besides the sources listed in the link above, the film is also available on Channel 4 on demand in the UK. https://www.channel4.com/programmes/no-other-land The Oscar winner has not been screened in theatres in the United States and still does not have a distribution agreement in the U.S. https://youtu.be/9Q5VAMNw708 If you want to take your own small step to support justice for Palestine then persuade one uncommitted person to watch this film. No Other Land – powerful Oscar acceptance speeches “No Other Land” winner of the Best Documentary Oscar, highlights the unlikely bond between Palestinian activist Basel Adra and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham amid the West Bank conflict. The film documents Palestinian displacement in Masafer Yatta and calls for justice. In a powerful acceptance speech, Adra and Abraham urge the world to recognise the suffering in Gaza and push for a political solution based on equality and freedom. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJ8liluKndE Gaza: How to survive in a warzone This documentary was controversially removed by the BBC. It is still available at this link: https://archive.org/details/gaza-how-to-survive-a-warzone_202502 Traumatic Grief, Health, and Mental Health in Palestine: The mediating role of post traumatic growth and resilience Source: Health Psychology Report Publication Date: 15 February Palestinian youth have faced considerable mental health challenges due to the traumatic impact of war-related losses, prompting research into the psychological effects of such experiences. These challenges include impaired physical and psychological health, which are often exacerbated by grief from violent losses. Understanding the factors that influence their psychological well-being and recovery, such as posttraumatic growth and resilience, is crucial for developing effective interventions. https://hpr.termedia.pl/Traumatic-grief-health-and-mental-health-in-Palestine-the-mediating-role-of-posttraumatic,199540,0,2.html Gaza Appeal update: March 2025 Source: Amos Trust Publication Date: 25 February The recent ceasefire in Gaza has provided a crucial pause to the extensive destruction, allowing residents to begin rebuilding amidst challenging conditions. Essential supplies, particularly food and building materials, remain scarce due to restricted aid access. Amos Trust’s partners, including MA’AN Development Centre and Al Ahli Arab Hospital, are actively addressing these needs by supplying emergency food, blankets, and medical care. Additionally, the Department of Service to Palestinian Refugees (DSPR) focuses on healthcare and psychosocial support to alleviate the profound trauma experienced by the community. https://www.amostrust.org/gaza-appeal-update-march-2025 The notebook beneath the rubble Source: The Electronic Intifada Publication date: 26 February “Bassam, hold your sister’s hand tightly. Don’t let go.” My mother’s voice trembled – not just from the cold, but from something deeper, something that felt like a fear that had never left us. I held the hand of Malak – my 12-year-old sister – and tried to appear strong, though I had never felt weaker in my life. […] https://electronicintifada.net/content/notebook-beneath-rubble/50438 EVENTS There are currently FOURTEEN up to date events related to Palestine and mental health are available on our dedicated Events webpage: https://ukpalmhn.com/events/ FEATURED EVENT A Pilgrimage for Palestine Wednesday 18 March to Monday 30 March The Hands Up Project via LinkedIn The Hands Up Project announces a pilgrimage for Palestine, aiming to engage participants in cultural and educational exchanges. This initiative seeks to foster solidarity and support for Palestinian communities through immersive experiences. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/the-hands-up-project_a-pilgrimage-for-palestine-march-18th-25th-activity-7295426441775570946-iUxi/ (If you are prompted to log in then click the X to close the prompt window and you will then be able to see the Hands Up Project message) Itinerary March 18: Bristol → Bath March 19: Bath → Bradford on Avon March 20: Bradford on Avon → Devizes March 21: Devizes → Pewsey March 22: Pewsey → Hungerford March 23: Hungerford → Newbury March 24: Newbury → Aldermaston March 25: Aldermaston → Reading March 26: Reading → Hurley March 27: Hurley → Maidenhead March 28: Maidenhead → Stockleigh March 29: Stockleigh → Alperton March 30: Alperton → Parliament Square ACTIONS Our Featured Action is available below and also on our dedicated Actions page together with a range of other current actions https://ukpalmhn.com/gaza-crisis/ How to keep defending Palestine after the ceasefire From Dr. Samah Jabr, Former Head of Mental Health Unit, Palestinian Ministry of Health The fight for justice in Palestine doesn’t end with a ceasefire—it only shifts its form. Here’s how we can continue: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/samah-jabr-25509883_how-to-keep-defending-palestine-after-the-activity-7285238091311714304-Sy5a Tell the BBC: Stop censoring Palestine Last week the BBC removed the documentary “Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone”, which followed four young Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who have been enduring and surviving Israel’s genocidal assault. We know that this is only one example of the BBC contributing to the dehumanisation of Palestinians. This includes its failure to adequately platform Palestinian voices and the suppression of the contemporary and historical realities of Palestinian life and Israel’s decades long violations of Palestinian rights. Write to the BBC’s Director General today to demand the BBC stops silencing Palestinian voices. https://palestinecampaign.eaction.online/BBC-stop-censoring-Palestine FEATURED ACTION – NO CHILD A TARGET As the humanitarian crisis in Palestine continues, the plight of Palestinian children remains dire. The #NoChildATarget campaign, led by the Palestine-Global Mental Health Network, is intensifying its efforts to safeguard these vulnerable young lives. The daily reality faced by Palestinian children under occupation Find the latest stories on the No Child A Target visit the campaign page on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/DGJWS7ipi1K/?img_index=1 Expanded Petition Demands Recognising the urgency of the situation, the petition https://www.change.org/p/nochildatarget (which as of 26 February has gathered 504,979 signatures) now calls upon U.S. lawmakers and global leaders to uphold international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Palestine-Global Mental Health Network demands an end to financial, military, and diplomatic support for Israel’s human rights abuses against Palestinian children. Your voice is crucial in amplifying this message. [Please note any donations made via the Change.org website go directly to Change.org and not to the #NoChildATarget campaign or the Palestine-Global Mental Health Network.] How You Can Make a Difference Your support is vital. Here are actionable steps you can take: Sign the Petition: Add your name to the #NoChildATarget petition and stand in solidarity with Palestinian children. https://www.change.org/p/nochildatarget Follow and Share: Stay informed by following our Instagram account @no_child_a_target. Share our posts to raise awareness. https://www.instagram.com/no_child_a_target/ Amplify Our Message: Copy and share this message with ten people in your network. Collective action can lead to meaningful change. (Follow this link) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJfHRYGSu9X7i_bnRhtSesrv9doJiLv17iK1vAlVEns/edit?tab=t.0 (For those based in the U.S.A.) Contact U.S. Lawmakers: Urge your representatives to take a stand against ongoing human rights violations. https://doctorsagainstgenocide.org/no-child-a-target Together, we can advocate for a future where no child is a target. Thank you for your unwavering support. #NoChildATarget BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT AND SANCTIONS (BDS)A founding aim of the UK-Palestine Mental Health Network is to “encourage our colleagues individually and collectively to consider their response to the Palestinian call for boycott, sanctions and divestment (BDS). ”Seized, settled, let: how Airbnb and Booking.com help Israelis make money from stolen Palestinian land Source: The Guardian Publication Date: 27 February An investigation reveals that Airbnb and Booking.com list rental properties in illegal Israeli settlements on seized Palestinian land. These listings, including luxury villas, are promoted as tourist accommodations despite ongoing conflicts and forced displacements. Activists argue that such activities violate international law and contribute to human rights abuses, urging these companies to cease operations in these areas. https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2025/feb/27/seized-settled-let-how-airbnb-and-bookingcom-help-israelis-make-money-from-stolen-palestinian-land Coca-Cola removed from Glasgow Film Theatre after staff boycott Source: The National Publication Date: 27 February Staff at the Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT) have initiated a boycott against Coca-Cola products during Scotland’s largest film festival, to protest the company’s alleged links to Israel. The Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement lists Coca-Cola among companies supporting Israel, prompting GFT staff, represented by Unite Hospitality, to demand the theatre sever ties with the brand. The union criticised the theatre’s perceived inconsistency in showcasing Palestinian films while maintaining associations with companies linked to Israel. In response, GFT’s management acknowledged the concerns and is reviewing the issues raised to ensure alignment with their charitable obligations. https://www.thenational.scot/news/24977635.coca-cola-removed-glasgow-film-theatre-staff-boycott/  From the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movementhttps://bdsmovement.net/Guide-to-BDS-Boycott The UK-Palestine Mental Health Network is one of 24 national mental health networks working under the umbrella of the Palestinian-led Palestine-Global Mental Health Network.  Palestine, Algeria, Australia, Canada Chile Belgium, Brasil Egypt France Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Iraq Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Netherlands, South Africa, Sweden, Tunisia, Türkiye, United Kingdom, United States |
الشبكة البريطانية الفلسطينية للصحة النفسية 