Israel-Hamas conflict: Ways to preserve mental health, provide support and avoid social media

The images have been disheartening and likely will continue to be as the war between Israel and Hamas rages on.

Instead continuing to feel down and risk your mental health over the images on social media, there are ways you can show support without feeling overwhelmed mentally.

Here are a few ways to do so.

Learn more through literature

Below are examples of books that can be read to learn more about the conflict in the Middle East.

• ”Arabs and Israelis: Conflict and Peacemaking in the Middle East”
• “Arab and Jew”
• “The Land of Hope and Fear”
• “Six Days of War”
• “The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine”
• “Light in Gaza”
• “Prisoners”

Learn more through movies

In addition to books, below are examples of movies where people can learn more background.

• “5 broken cameras”
• “Hope in the Holy Land”
• “Under the Same Sun”
• “Farha”
• “Promises”
• “Born in Gaza”
• “The Oslo Diaries”

Donate to charities

Below are some examples of charities you can donate to that are helping in the region. To view track records of numerous charities before considering a donation, go to CharityWatch or Charity Navigator.

• United Nations Relief and Works Agency
• Americares
• Save the Children
• ActionAid
• Anera
• IsraAID
• Palestine Children’s Relief Fund

Make your voice heard

If people feel it’s worthwhile to urge Congress for a ceasefire, organizations such as Jewish Voice for Peace and Adalah Justice Project provide phone scripts and form letters to use when contacting representatives.