Murdered Writers and They Continue: The Life of a Treatment Center Director for Violence Victims in Arab Society

Dima Khalifa, director of the Community Resilience Center in Wadi Ara, describes the challenges of treating victims of violence in Arab society. The center, established in partnership with Umm al-Fahm municipality and government ministries, offers mental and emotional support. Khalifa emphasizes the lack of accessibility, the shortage of Arabic-speaking therapists, and the need for unique therapeutic models for Arab society.

Dima Khalifa, director of the Community Resilience Center in Wadi Ara, recounts her work with victims of violence in Arab society. On her first day on the job, in September 2025, she was called to intervene in a case of violence. The center, established in partnership with Umm al-Fahm municipality, the Ministry of Welfare, and the Ministry for Social Equality, serves communities in Wadi Ara and northward. It operates under the 'Ma'ana' program and is based on the Rahat and Soroka model. Khalifa describes feelings of insecurity, distrust, and hopelessness, and notes a shortage of Arabic-speaking therapists. The center runs neighborhood emergency teams and resilience groups, focusing on youth. She calls for building unique therapeutic models for Arab society, emphasizing the importance of community.