Healing Through Play: Supporting Displaced Families from Jenin Camp

18 April 2025

The Jenin Center for Culture and Creativity recently concluded a three-day program of recreational, creative, and psychological support activities for children, mothers, and young people displaced from the Jenin refugee camp. The program took place at the American University residences and was conducted in partnership with a team of specialized facilitators and mental health professionals.

This initiative comes in response to the recent large-scale displacement caused by Israeli military incursions in Jenin and other camps across the occupied Palestinian territories. In Jenin alone, thousands were forced to flee their homes as the camp was heavily targeted, joining tens of thousands of others displaced in similar operations throughout the West Bank. These attacks have left communities traumatized and uprooted, many of whom are now living in temporary or makeshift housing.

The Center’s activities aimed to provide not only a space for relief and expression but also tools for resilience. Through arts, games, group sessions, and guided support, participants—especially children and mothers—were given a safe environment to process their experiences and begin to rebuild a sense of stability.

The Jenin Center remains committed to supporting displaced families through culturally grounded, community-based programming that centers healing, dignity, and hope.