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The Impact of the 2nd Intifada: An Exploration of the Experiences of Palestinian Psychosocial Counselors and Social Workers

This article presents the findings of a small scale study which explored the impact of the 2nd Intifada on the work of Palestinian social workers and psychosocial workers. It is one of a trilogy of comparative studies that investigated the experience of social workers and psychosocial workers working in situations of acute political conflict. Two other studies were conducted in Israel (Ramon, 2004) and in Northern Ireland (Campbell & McCrystal, 2005). Twenty-six interviews were conducted with workers from the West Bank and Gaza in the period 2003-2004, during a crisis phase in this long-term conflict when Israeli forces reoccupied the West Bank and Gaza. Interview data were supplemented by two surveys of psychosocial workers in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The findings document the resourcefulness and commitment of workers to providing services in such a difficult context in which all workers and their clients were affected to some degree by the conflict. This common experience appeared to lead to feelings of collective solidarity in which survival becomes a form of resistance. However, working in such context takes a toll on workers, and the cumulative impact of being both a helper and a victim/survivor in times of war increased stress and feelings of anger and presented challenges to professional values. A further source of stress for these workers was the lack of status and recognition given to their role and work. Social work and psychosocial counseling are emerging professions in Palestine. Structures which might support workers practicing in a context of long-term and enduring conflict need to be developed. The discussion and conclusion suggests that these should be at personal/professional levels, occupational levels, systems levels, and at governance levels. International alliances and dialogue to build alliances and share and develop approaches to professional practice in such context are also suggested.