In the Beginning, It Is.. Rebuilding Human Identity as a Priority for the Reconstruction of Stone and Trees

With the escalation and multiple sources of psychological pressures and the terrible negative repercussions we have begun to witness on all segments of Palestinian society during and after the onset of the war on Gaza (October 7, 2023), and to varying degrees across all sectors of society, whether experienced, observed, or heard about, regardless of gender, age, educational and cultural background, and economic status, it is essential to emphasize that previous experiences and encounters in facing such pressures play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of the confrontation methods.

In light of such circumstances, we need to move away from traditional theories and stereotypical views in dealing with psychological and behavioral disorders, along with cases of loss, displacement, demolition, starvation, arrest, or deportation, whether internal or external. All of this leads to aftereffects such as PTSD, depression, indifference, and, more dangerously, an increase in tendencies towards aggression and violence (political or domestic). We should not forget the panic and hallucination cases that the majority are suffering from, as well as lack of concentration and hallucination.

Given that the eye sees clearly while the hand is short due to the scarcity of resources and tools, and the absence of the essential standards of mental health culture, if not its scarcity or desiccation in some areas, particularly marginalized ones, it becomes imperative for specialists to provide sound professional advice and guidance to all sectors of the population based on their needs and levels, serving as primary self-help tools that can be applied by individuals or families, either individually or collectively, away from sorcery, heresy, and exploiting people's miserable conditions.

We focus here on the role of the family in mitigating the severity of the effects of the psychological pressures mentioned above through:

•    Defining and specifying the pattern of relationships that govern all who belong directly or indirectly to this micro-society, without neglecting the roles of kindergartens, schools, universities, and other community institutions.

•    Moving away from the assumption that everyone has the necessary awareness and knowledge of what needs to be done or avoided.

•    Adopting a positive parenting approach characterized by self-reliance, responsible participation, time management, and promoting dialogue instead of issuing orders and yelling.

We intend to briefly address the role and impact of positive relationships between neighbors in transitioning from a state of suffering to recovery after healing the psychological wounds caused by such psychological pressures from the sources we mentioned and others.

Given the structure of the family style, whether extended or nuclear, no one can live without relationships with their neighbors. Thus, mutual relationships arise between both parties, which we hope will be characterized by good rapport, much like an olive tree that does not grow quickly but lives a long time.

To ensure this and to create an atmosphere that reflects positive effects for living under the utmost psychological comfort, we propose the following:
•    Acting in accordance with what the Abrahamic religions have suggested since ancient times regarding the significant importance of having a good relationship with neighbors, explaining their rights and duties and addressing certain obligations towards them, to the extent that some would consider their neighbors as family members, entrusting them with many secrets and material possessions, as we often heard the saying that "nothing is forbidden to the neighbor except behaviors that violate honor and dignity." Thus, you would always see neighbors supporting each other in times of joy and sorrow, helping to foster strong relationships among family members that contribute to enhancing and sustaining the desired civil peace, providing psychological comfort, family and community solidarity, and protecting the social fabric as a result of everyone rushing towards sharing experiences, responsibilities, and helping each other, while spreading love and goodwill after each has recognized and adhered to their boundaries, refraining from causing any harm, no matter how small, to their neighbor.

•    Refraining from gossip, slander, and backbiting among neighbors, even jokingly.

•    Enhancing values of forgiveness and tolerance among neighbors, understanding and bearing their faults and reactions, and improving opportunities to do good and kindness towards that neighbor, without expecting anything in return, based on the verse "And do not stint (in giving) nor expect (anything) back," Q6:74 in Surah Al-Muddathir, and adopting this as a guiding principle in life.

•    Initiating greetings and peace among people for their positive impact on hearts; it is a religious duty to respond, being a community responsibility, while maintaining a cheerful face and a radiant appearance as mentioned in "On that day, faces will be joyful" (Q75:22) and "And some faces, that day, will be bright" (Q75:24) in Surah Al-Muddathir.
•    We suggest increasing programmed family visits scheduled in advance, as well as joint outings for their positive impact on enhancing the opportunity for dialogue and experience sharing.

•    Additionally, there are many benefits in utilizing heritage, folklore, and ancestral stories to narrate such tales.

•    Many overlook the importance of shared reading in breaking the stagnation that sadly exists among neighborly relationships. Thus, we propose forming book committees in each housing complex, and it would be great to start establishing small libraries in every neighborhood.

•    True professional guidance in building foundations of mutual respect, acceptance of differences, intellectual pluralism, and building ties of love (such as visiting the sick, participating in joys and sorrows and responding to invitations as much as possible, and checking up on their well-being) can thus create a feeling of having support as if a brother not born of their mother may be relied upon during hardships.

In this way, a neighbor can serve as a source of relief from psychological pressures just like a water stream that not only carries water but also grants greenery and beauty to the surrounding land. We would have thereby cultivated a lasting neighborly relationship regardless of how short or long the time period might be, as it leaves positive impressions like the scent of musk and amber, all because the neighbor has internalized the saying "Morality is the unknown soldier of humanity."

As for professionals in the field of mental health, I would like to suggest simple methods of comprehension for the target group, such as therapy/recovery through the cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) approach, of course, without neglecting the childhood experiences (poverty, deprivation, or any of the situations mentioned above) that the child or children have lived.