From left: Dr Yasser Abu-Jamei, psychiatrist and director general of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme and Hanan Dover, President of Mission of Hope and the conference convenor. Photo by Think Studio.

A powerful keynote address was delivered by Dr Yasser Abu-Jamei, psychiatrist and director general of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, exploring the psychological impact of the current conflict on the people of Gaza at the 8th annual Muslim Mental Health Conference, held on Monday 21 October  to Tuesday 22 October 2024 at Western Sydney University in Bankstown.

Dr Abu-Jamei, who had to leave Gaza in April this year painted a stark picture of Gaza’s dire situation, which, even before the recent intensification of violence in October 2023 was marred by severe overcrowding, poverty affecting over 50% of the population, and a staggering youth unemployment rate of 60-80%.

“As of 2021, nearly 10% of Gaza’s population was reported to be dealing with moderate to severe mental health issues, particularly among university students who reported high rates of depression and anxiety,” he reported.

A drawing by Hala, 10 years old, Gaza.

His address continued with a harrowing account of how the situation has deteriorated further since October 2023, with the recent conflict exacerbating Gaza’s challenges.

He outlined the tragic loss of life, displacement of over two million people, and immense psychological distress, especially among children and women.

“Children have faced heightened fears, regressive behaviours, and separation from their families, leading to an emotional toll that will likely have long-term effects on their development,” he said.

Dr Abu-Jamei emphasised the significant psychological shift among Gaza’s population, where the trauma extends beyond diagnosable disorders to a collective survival mode marked by fear, despair, and a pervasive sense of insecurity.

He underscored the urgent need for international support to address both immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term psychological scars left by the ongoing conflict.

Photos by Think Studio

The two day conference, organised by Mission Hope in collaboration with LMA was a profound convergence of mental health experts, educators, religious leaders, and policy advocates focussing on the theme of trauma and recovery, examining how recent events in Palestine have impacted Muslim communities in Australia.

The conference was attended by professionals in mental health, education, and community work, aimed to foster understanding and provide healing pathways through shared narratives and insights from Gaza.

The event commenced on the first day with a moving recitation of Surah Ar-Rahman by Ahmet Ozturk followed by welcome address by Ms Hanan Dover, President of Mission of Hope and the conference convenor who eloquently tied together themes of resilience, trauma, and healing.

Ms Dover began by acknowledging the traditional owners of the land and paying respects to their elders, drawing a connection between the resilience of Indigenous Australians and the Palestinian people, particularly amid the recent crisis in Gaza.

She discussed the suffering and resilience of the Palestinian people, critiqued the Australian government’s stance on Palestine, and urged attendees to connect with the conference themes as a call to advocacy and healing.

Mission of Hope’s initiatives, including the Hayat Line and community mental health programs, served as critical resources for those grappling with the ongoing mental health crisis impacting the Muslim community.

Councillor Khal Asfour, representing the Lebanese Muslim Association (LMA), shared his organisation’s commitment to providing free counselling and seminars for newly arrived refugees from Gaza and Lebanon, highlighting efforts to address the profound emotional distress caused by witnessing the ongoing conflict.

Hon Jihad Dib, Minister for Youth Justice, Emergency Services, and Customer Service, acknowledged the frustration and anger felt by many in the community toward political responses to the Palestine crisis.

He expressed empathy with those who feel excluded from decision-making processes and reassured attendees that there are advocates working behind the scenes to promote change, though these efforts may not always be visible.

Mr Dib shared his personal experience in advocating for Palestine within his party, leading to a motion for recognition, demonstrating his commitment to leveraging his position for positive change, even if the outcomes are gradual.

Dr Nora Amath from the Islamophobia Register Australia added to the discussions by presenting on Islamophobia in Australia, tracing its historical roots and addressing its modern-day manifestations.

Dr Amath highlighted the harmful impact of Islamophobia on individuals and communities, emphasizing the recent surge in anti-Palestinian hate and urging both individual and collective action to combat this rising prejudice.

Day two of the conference continued with Dr Abu-Jamei’s detailed exploration of the mental health challenges in Gaza.

He emphasised that these issues stem not from genetic factors but from the prolonged trauma endured by the populationstressing the importance of addressing the foundational aspects of well-being, such as safety, food, and shelter, which remain scarce in Gaza.

He pointed out that the scarcity of basic needs, exacerbated by continuous violence, creates a pervasive sense of fear and instability detrimental to mental health.

A central component of Dr Abu-Jamei’s presentation was his advocacy for education as a vital element in the recovery process.

He noted that the routine of attending school provides children and families with a sense of stability and normalcy.

However, interruptions to education due to conflict severely impact children’s mental health, depriving them of hope, structure, and opportunities for future growth.

Dr Abu-Jamei championed a holistic approach to mental health interventions, one that considers not only biological factors but also the social, environmental, and cultural contexts that influence an individual’s well-being.

Drawing on his experience with the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, he advocated for community-based initiatives that build local capacity and integrate mental health education into schools, primary healthcare, and community programs.

He shared successful examples, including a sports program for children that fosters resilience, social connections, and mental health awareness within the community.

Concluding his presentation, Dr Abu-Jamei underscored the importance of providing culturally sensitive mental health interventions that align with the specific needs and beliefs of the Gazan people.

He also highlighted the need for increased support for mental health professionals working in Gaza, who face immense challenges and secondary trauma from their exposure to ongoing crises.

The conference’s sessions were supplemented by personal stories, such as that of Sydney-based psychologist Ms Scarlett Wong, who recently served as a mental health activity manager in Gaza.

Ms Wong recounted the preparations she made before entering the conflict zone, such as writing goodbye letters to her children. Her vivid descriptions highlighted the stark contrasts between life in Gaza and the outside world, where basic infrastructure and security are taken for granted.

Ms Wong’s account was a sobering reminder of the immense sacrifices made by humanitarian workers and the harrowing conditions they encounter in their mission to provide support.

Two pre-conference events were held as part of the lead-up to the main conference at the Lebanese Muslim Association in Lakemba.

On Saturday 17 October was an event exclusive to Palestinians who recently arrived from Gaza, Palestine. Dr Yasser Abu-Jamei presented psychoeducation and psychosocial strategies to assist with acculturation and resettlement.

Sunday 18 October held a workshop that equipped community and health workers with skills and knowledge to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care to newly arrived refugees forcibly displaced from Gaza, Palestine.