Arab Healthcare Workers Find Support in Resilience Workshops

Arab healthcare professionals in Israel are participating in specialized resilience workshops designed to help them process the emotional toll of their work, particularly in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. These workshops provide a safe space for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to discuss the psychological burden, workplace stress, and instances of racism and discrimination they have experienced.

Dr. Yahya Omar, a rehabilitation physician, shared his experience of treating casualties from October 7th and the subsequent burnout he and his colleagues faced. He found the resilience workshop invaluable, stating, "We all work, and all the time our batteries get a little drained, but since October 7th, we have invested all our energy in the patients. Initially, the batteries were full, but afterward, with time, everything went and emptied. When they offered me to participate in a resilience workshop, I didn't think twice. I felt it helped."

Psychotherapist Abir Al-Halim, who facilitates the workshops, explained that general resilience workshops are often insufficient for Arab medical staff. "The Arab doctor is threatened both in the hospital and outside it," she said. The workshops aim to create a safe space for processing difficult experiences without causing separation from Jewish colleagues, fostering resilience before engaging with them.

Dr. Maram Khazen, a pharmacist and senior lecturer, attended as a researcher but found the opportunity to discuss difficult experiences profoundly meaningful. She noted that the geographical and professional diversity of the participants allowed them to realize their struggles were not isolated. "When you express yourself, and feel that others are also listening to you, and giving you feedback, it is empowering," she stated.

The workshops also equip participants with tools to handle workplace conflicts and discrimination. Dr. Omar mentioned an incident where a department manager firmly supported him against racist remarks from patients, reinforcing a sense of respect and strength. Dr. Khazen emphasized the need for proactive leadership and open communication to address discrimination, stating, "We need brave leadership, not to wait for the next crisis." The goal is not to create separation but to process difficulties so that constructive dialogue can resume within the shared workplace, ultimately benefiting both patient care and staff well-being.