Approximately 7,000 survivors of torture camps in Sinai live in Israel. Like other asylum seekers, they reside in this country without any legal status or rights: they do not have legal work permits, are not eligible for rehabilitation, and are unable to access health or welfare services. As a result, their vulnerability is exacerbated often leading to a further deterioration of their already difficult physical and mental conditions.
In this context, the Israeli NGO ASSAF (Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) provides asylum seekers with practical and emotional support to deal with traumas of the past and to contend with the tremendous difficulties facing them as residents without rights and status in Israel. Whether through professional support, a shoulder to lean on, or practical advice, ASSAF’s aid to refugees reinforces their mental strength and develops their tools for coping with their suffering.
Since 2013, the number of torture camp survivors who come to ASSAF has increased, and the extent of the support given to them has grown significantly. In December 2013 a social worker as well as a community mediator, an asylum seeker from Eritrea, has been employed by the organization to support and accompany victims of torture in Sinai through their treatment.
In the framework of this project, support via individual treatment and group therapy has been given to 70 men and women survivors. In addition, frequent meetings are held in which needs assessments are conducted, emotional support is given, and tailored rehabilitation programs for each applicant are developed, including referral to other organizations providing treatment.
Until now, the funding for this special project has been based on a one-off donation. However today, a year after its start, ASSAF indicates that “the future of this initiative is in jeopardy because, at the moment, following cuts from the donor, we no longer have sufficient funds to continue with the project.” The support programs operating for the benefit of torture survivors are in danger of closing, which means the only place for them to seek safety, comfort and support may be closing soon. These women and men, whose horrors and suffering are difficult to capture in words, upon whom some of the most serious crimes that can be done to a human were performed, are struggling with significant physical and emotional scarring and require special assistance that they can receive only at ASSAF.
To enable the continuation of this vital and unique program, ASSAF encourages individuals and organizations to help it promote life with dignity for the survivors of torture camps in Sinai living in Israel.
Related:
