How might refugees in the UK be feeling, watching the Israel/Palestine crisis unfold?
Over the last few weeks, our news feeds have become dominated by recent events in Israel and Gaza, following the sudden attack on Israel by Hamas on 7 October. Many people have offered their opinions on the unfolding conflict but for many refugees in our communities this conflict will be seen from a different perspective. What might refugees in our communities be thinking as they see these events on their phones? How might we learn from their uniquely important viewpoints on these matters?
The images and stories can be very traumatic
We are hearing and seeing some horrendous stories of what is happening in Gaza and Israel right now. For refugees who have experienced violence and war, this may trigger a traumatic response because of their personal experiences in the past. The images of war we are faced with currently are particularly problematic because they give the impression that danger is nearby. Physically seeing an event often remains in a person’s memory much longer than hearing or reading about it, similar to a film. Shocking and troubling images can often lodge even further into our memory, making them very difficult to erase or forget. Without a doubt, this may be what our refugee friends here in the UK are experiencing with pictures and videos of this war dominating our newsfeeds. They see something awful, in such a way that they may not be able to fall asleep at night. With memories of their previous experiences flooding back, this can be an extremely distressing time for refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. They are more prone to developing a stress and high anxiety reaction with the constant flow of images and stories.
Be aware of how people might be being impacted by the news on a personal level. You might want to think about how you can give people space to talk about their emotions, if they want to, or just to arrange some fun activities for some light relief as well.
Other conflicts and disasters are happening in the world
When a ‘new’ crisis unfolds in the media, conflicts that have previously made the headlines can be forgotten. For example, the fighting in Sudan between the national military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces that erupted on 15th April 2023 is still ongoing. The security situation is getting worse as well as the humanitarian crisis around the country. The fighting that began in the capital Khartoum has spread to other parts of the country including Darfur in the western part of the country. Millions of people have been displaced, with many of them fleeing to the neighbouring countries to seek refuge. Christians, particularly, have suffered from violence against them, while most of the church properties in Khartoum are being targeted by looting and destruction.
Wars are continuing in Ukraine, Armenia and many other places across the world also. There are other disasters that are not featured in headline news, including the three earthquakes in Afghanistan in recent weeks killing thousands of people. These events, and numerous others, will also be concerning refugees with family and friends in these regions.
Fear and uncertainty for the future
Fear, anxiety and traumatic stress have long-term effects on health and well-being. These impacts are also felt by people around the world who have family and friends in the region, as well as those concerned about the effects of war everywhere. Many are fearful that, with the world’s attention on Israel and Palestine, this might mean that groups in other parts of the world attempt to invade new territories without facing repercussions from the international community. Because of this, there may be an increased nervousness from refugees about their homes and safety of their families across the world. It is well documented that remaining anxious for a prolonged period of time, can lead quickly to depression.
As we continue to pray for peace in Israel and Palestine, let us also remember the refugees in our communities who might be impacted by the news in different ways. Let us remember the family and friends of refugees who are known to us and ask our refugee neighbours how we might be praying for them at this time also.
Welcome Churches is equipping local churches to continue to welcome everyone seeking refuge in our communities, which is needed now more than ever. Could you consider giving a regular donation to help us see every refugee welcomed by the local Church? Click here to donate today.
