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This month, many of our community members are reminded of the loss of their loved ones to murder, starvation, and illness and their own traumatic experiences of war and genocide. They deeply empathize with the survivors of the massacre of Israeli civilians by Hamas and determinedly oppose the collective punishment of Palestinians by the Israeli army’s bombardment of Gaza. Our hearts are heavy with sorrow and pain, witnessing the devastating impact of violence on people’s lives. As CERI works with survivors of trauma, we are deeply concerned about those directly impacted and generations to come. Organizations like CERI play a crucial role in supporting survivors of war, torture, and genocide with their healing and recovery process. Most of our skilled staff members and clinical interns are from the same refugee communities that CERI serves. With similar challenges and lived experiences, they offer their expertise to survivors with genuine compassion. As a mental health agency, we know that even with the support of a skilled and compassionate mental health team, healing from trauma and intergenerational trauma requires a difficult and challenging journey. On October 22, 2023, in “Voices of Peace in Times of War,” a program offered by the Jerusalem Youth Chorus*, cellist Yo-Yo Ma played a beautiful piece https://jerusalemyouthchorus.org/voicesofpeace (1:13:14-1:15:05) expressing grief for those impacted by violence and for all of us who are grieving. May humanity, compassion, a sense of justice, safety, and healing find a way into the hearts and lives of all. * In the city of Jerusalem, through the power of music, the Jerusalem Youth Chorus provides a platform for Israeli and Palestinian youth to come together, bridging divides and fostering understanding, serving as a safe place of dialogue for working towards the goal of a just, peaceful, and inclusive coexistence of Palestinians and Israelis.
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