In East Jerusalem, conversations about mental health are often whispered, if they happen at all. For many women, stress, anxiety, and daily pressures compound silently, hidden behind cultural taboos and the lack of accessible, trusted support. Yet in the midst of this silence, a new initiative under JICC’s Athar program is giving women a safe place to speak, to heal, and to grow.
The project, Strengthening Mental Resilience, was born out of urgent need. While Athar has focused on reducing health inequities, particularly around diabetes, it became clear that no conversation about health in East Jerusalem can be complete without mental health. With professional social workers, trained therapists, and community partners, Athar is pioneering a culturally sensitive model that acknowledges the stigma yet provides practical, life-changing support.
Each week, small groups of women gather in discreet, welcoming spaces across East Jerusalem. They share experiences, learn tools to manage stress, and build personal resilience. Monthly workshops dive deeper into family communication, coping strategies, and mutual support. For those in need of more intensive care, one-on-one counseling is offered. The impact is already clear: women who once felt isolated are reporting greater strength, reduced anxiety, and the confidence to support one another long after sessions end.
The pilot began with 60 women, divided into intimate groups of 15-20, ensuring privacy and trust. The response was overwhelming: participation rates soared, and women began forming their own informal peer-support circles. What started as a cautious step into uncharted territory is now becoming a movement, one that promises to reach hundreds more women in the coming years.
Athar’s mental health initiative is more than a project. It’s a quiet revolution, dismantling stigma while equipping women with tools to navigate uncertainty and trauma. By investing in the inner resilience of East Jerusalem’s women, Athar is investing in stronger families, healthier communities, and a more hopeful future for the city as a whole.