Words from our volunteers on their experiences:

The first woman I treated said that the massage was the nicest thing that has happened to her since the attack. It was a very powerful experience to see the positive effects of the treatments on the women. Although we can’t change the past, we can change the present moment and the future by using the healing power of compassionate and warm touch. I gained a lot from this experience. It is a very rewarding feeling to make a difference.
Edna

I was part of something bigger than myself and saw how much it means to be touched in a healing way, especially after a trauma induced by other humans.
Tamara

Working with a different population in a different country was very enlightening. I realised that so many prevalent conditions are culture bound. People in different countries/ cultures/ climates with different experiences manifest different pathologies
Lok Kwan

I felt each session was successful. It reaffirmed the power of touch to reach people’s core
Jane

I was particularly enthused by my chats with the Hineni director, Benjamin, and the work of the centre. I can now go back to Bosnia [where Sarah runs her own massage project with conflict survivors] knowing that it is possible for people to move on with purpose. This was something that I believed possible, but now experience has proven it
Sarah

It was difficult to listen to some of the people’s experiences. None of this was “new” [as someone who lives here] but it was all “new” as each person’s experience is unique. Sometimes we’re lulled into quiet periods where we put attacks behind us, but I was to be reminded
Aviva

The women really need this bodywork. I can tell that even if they try and relax, they are quite jumpy – and who wouldn’t be coming from a war zone?
Maria

People are people – aches and pains, life and loss, love and hate, we are one! Human need is universal and giving is healing.
Norma