About Us
In 2003, Wings of Hope Foundation Germany was established as an independent non-profit foundation. In the following years, the foundation expanded its international network and developed specific trauma and peace work programs for other countries.
“Wings of Hope for Trauma Care” in the city of Bethlehem is an independent and non-profit organization, licensed by the Palestinian Ministry of Interior in 2011, and the Palestinian Ministry of Health in 2014. Over the past few years, the organization expanded its reach, now serving hundreds and attaining local and foreign partnerships. We are proud of these partners, who support and put their trust in the organization’s programs.
The idea of establishing the organization emerged as a result of the difficulties and psychological stress that Palestinian people face, due to political, economic and social pressures. As a result, there is an increase in the number of people suffering from trauma-related symptoms including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover; there is a lack of specialized organizations available to help them.
The major focus of the organization is to provide psychological support and counseling services for people of all ages who suffer from Trauma related symptoms including PTSD. Wings of Hope for Trauma also provides training in the field of psychotraumatology in particular, and in mental health in general for mental health practitioners. Moreover, the organization provides educational programs in order to raise individuals’ awareness regarding mental health issues. Additionally, the organization offers support to research and studies being conducted in the field of psychotraumatology.
Our Story
Since 2007, Wings of Hope Foundation Germany created structures in Bethlehem, from which a local Palestinian independent organization, Wings of Hope for trauma, was developed, taking into account the political challenges and its consequences, economically and socially, on Palestinians.
The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is one of the world’s most enduring conflicts, with the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip reaching 54 years of conflict. The Israel and Palestine conflict is complex. It’s rooted in national, political, territorial, cultural and religious factors. Yet, the violence between Israelis and Palestinians is often falsely presented as a conflict between two equal sides with irreconcilable claims to one piece of land.
In reality, this is a conflict over territory between a nation-state, Israel, with one of the world’s most powerful and well-funded militaries, and an indigenous population of Palestinians that has been occupied, displaced, and exiled for decades.
The ongoing Israeli occupation, but also inner political, economic, and social challenges have left deep scars on the Palestinian society. Everyday life is shaped by a feeling of helplessness and vulnerability. As a result of these circumstances physical violence and psychosocial problems are not a rare occurrence, especially within families and schools. However, consequences of trauma are rarely discussed within the Palestinians society, therefore many people lack the resources to deal with trauma related symptoms. Moreover, specialized organizations available to provide adequate support are scarce.
Wings of Hope for Trauma Care opened the Trauma Healing Center in Bethlehem in 2011, offering a range of trauma therapeutic and psychosocial support options. Within this framework, Wings of Hope for trauma trains mental health practitioners and social professionals in psychotraumatology in cooperation with Wings of Hope Foundation Germany and the Center for Psychotraumatology and Trauma Therapy in Lower Saxony/zptn. This enables them to help people suffering from the consequences of violence in the Trauma Healing Center of Wings of Hope for Trauma Care.
Trauma work is an active contribution against violence in Palestine and thus active peace work.
The mental health services offered by the organization are provided by local and foreign specialists, with a diverse expertise, including psychologists, social workers, and psychiatrists.