Mental health training in Gaza: The case of Palestinian–Israeli Endeavor 1993–2003
Author Tamar Zelniker, Eyad El Sarraj, and Rachel Hertz-Lazarowitz
Copy The paper describes a Palestinian–Israeli partnership in developing a mental health training program which evolved from a Palestinian conceptualization of mental health needs in Gaza, and their aspiration and vision of establishing mental health training and practices in Gaza. Despite adverse circumstances our common endeavor has continued for 10 years due to a resilient personal and professional commitment, which provided us with staying power and hope for peace.

Initially, a group of mental health professionals from Gaza Community Mental Health Project (GCMHP) came weekly from Gaza to Tel-Aviv University, and in spite of escalating political difficulties, completed a formal, 3 year continuation studies program in psychotherapy. Subsequently, our cooperation persisted when in 1997, the Gaza group embarked on the establishment of a program of psychotherapy training in Gaza, engaging international partners from several universities around the world, including Tel-Aviv University. This new training program in Gaza has been operating successfully for 6 years. During this period there have been times when it was extremely difficult to cross the borders with recurring closures and increasing political and military clashes, and during the last three years it has been impossible to carry on our activities. Yet, presently, we are embarking on a new program where another group of GCMHP professional will come from Gaza to Tel-Aviv University for further specialty training. The activities of these projects and issues related to the sustainability of our mutual endeavor will be discussed.