"Did me more good
that an hour
with my psychiatrist.”
"If I could have this
treatment regularly, I’d be able to come off my painkillers.”
"The nicest thing to
happen to me
since the attack.”
These words come from three Israeli women,
all suicide bomb survivors, following treatments given
to them by Hamsa Project volunteers.
STATEMENT OF INTENT:
The Hamsa Project is an apolitical voluntary organisation.
Its aim is for healing professionals (massage therapists, reiki
practitioners, reflexologists, polarity practitioners, cranio-sacral
practitioners etc) to offer volunteer treatments in Israel to
people who have been physically and/or emotionally affected by
the current situation. Its concern is with creating the best healing
space possible for each individual we work with.
WHAT’S A “HAMSA”:
A “hamsa” is a symbol used both by Israelis and Arabs
as a charm. It is hand-shaped, which is very apt for the work
that we do! Hands are also a symbol of reconciliation and friendship.
HOW THE PROJECT WAS BORN:
I lived in Israel from 99-02, during which time I worked for
non-profits, became interested in alternative health and witnessed
how the mood of the country changed with the outbreak of the second
Intifada.
I went straight from Israel to the US to study massage therapy
in Santa Fe. Part of the curriculum addressed the role of touch
therapy in overcoming trauma. I learnt about how bodywork was
being used in Bosnia to provide relief from post-traumatic stress
disorder and the accumulated tensions that build up from living
in a conflict zone.
A lightbulb went off in my head as I thought of a part of the
world dear to my heart where healing touch is deeply needed. The
project is a marriage of two things that I’m passionate
about: the transformative power of compassionate touch and “tikkun
olam” (this Hebrew concept translates as “repairing/
healing/ fixing the world”).
ARTICLES
Read about our debut project in Massage
& Bodywork Magazine – Jan 06.
TESTIMONIALS
Click here to read testimonials
from volunteers from all over the world.
WANTED! VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS
If you want to be involved, I would love to hear from you. You
can download an application form here
and CONTACT ME! if you have further
questions.
Volunteer practitioners will need to be fully qualified and hold
professional insurance.
I’m looking for a partner to coordinate a sister project
with the Palestinian population. If you support the apolitical
agenda of the Hamsa Project and think you are the right person
for this venture, be in touch. CONTACT
ME!
B’ shalom (in peace)
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