Rebuilding life in the West Bank after detention

18-year-old Abdul lives in the West Bank. Two years ago, he was detained by the Israeli army. He remained in detention for one year, where he was subjected to torture.

“I don’t enjoy life,” he said after he was released.

Abdul was referred to the Rehabilitation Programme at the East Jerusalem YMCA, our partner. A thorough assessment showed that he was suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to the detention experience. Through the programme, he received individual counselling, academic guidance, catch-up education classes and psychotherapy treatment.

Now, Abdul has started to rebuild his life. He has resumed his education, rebuilt relationships with friends and family, and has developed a new sense of hope.

He says: “I began to feel emotionally secure, I began to see the bright side of things. Life became meaningful to me, I learned to manage my emotions, I stopped procrastinating, I began to make plans for the future, and I chose to go to nursing school.”

*Name changed