Home About EMDR Association UK Policies & Position Statements Israel-Palestine Conflict Statement

Israel-Palestine Conflict Statement

The EMDR UK Association’s mission is to ‘alleviate suffering and promote personal growth in those who have experienced trauma and other adverse life events by providing skilful,
compassionate and effective EMDR therapy.’

Our mission furthers our charitable purposes which are:

  1. The relief of sickness. Without prejudice to the generality of the forgoing to advance
    the theory and practice of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR);
  2. The relief of poverty and distress wherever it may arise by the provision of humanitarian
    aid, by supporting other like-minded charities.

The Association acknowledges the acutely tragic and deeply disturbing events of 7th October 2023 and the loss of civilian life and the taking of hostages as experienced by Israel. We also acknowledge the ongoing and growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as the current and historic conflict, the result of which has been continuous and cumulative human trauma. We are concerned about the immediate and long-term psychological impact of such aggression for all civilians and care deeply for the lives of all of those affected in Palestine and Israel, and for the victims of other such cruelties throughout the world.

The Association has been contacted by many members with views on how EMDR UK should
comment. We acknowledge the strong opinions amongst our members regarding the conflict and its impact on both sides, which is being felt by our members directly and indirectly. Some will be supporting clients and communities who are also being affected.

As well as being a membership body, the EMDR UK Association is a charity that exists to be
impartial politically and to support our members. However, as a charity working with members
providing therapy to alleviate suffering and trauma, we cannot ignore the suffering of so many
people over so many years. We strongly support humanitarian rights and values for all and are
concerned about the impacts of the conflict on innocent children and families being impacted.

The Association recognises that members themselves may be affected by these atrocities in
Palestine, Israel and elsewhere in the world and may wish to be involved in humanitarian or
solidarity efforts.

We will seek to:

  • Support our Arab, Muslim and Jewish colleagues, and ensure there are safe spaces for
    open dialogue.
  • Provide and promote workshops, discussions and webinars aimed at understanding the
    collective trauma of oppressed people and nations and how to support them.
  • Ensure that the activities we engage in are undertaken in a manner understanding of
    antisemitism and Islamophobia, and the differences between anti-Zionism and
    antisemitism.
  • Operate in a manner consistent with our status as a charity registered in England and
    Wales and in particular, ensure we comply at all times with the rules applicable to
    charities on political activity and campaigning.

The Association supports the need for an immediate and sustained humanitarian ceasefire, and unimpeded, safe humanitarian access to medical supplies and food. We oppose violations of international law, that include acts such as causing serious bodily or mental harm, killing, forcibly transferring children, and impeding access to resources critical to survival.

To support our members during this time, we have a list of some resources that you might find
useful:

EMDR resources and support

Organisations providing Mental health support in Israel and Gaza

Resources

Courtesy of Thrive LDN

Bereavement guides and resources on Good Thinking – including a guide on providing culturally sensitive bereavement support and faith-based bereavement resources.