About
Our Mission + Vision
Healing to Hope's mission is to increase awareness about the need for emotional and psychological healing for Palestinian children and caregivers impacted by violence and oppression. We do this in part by enhancing understanding of the unique ways that Anar, a Palestinian non-profit based in Bethlehem, addresses this need.
As a US-based organization, Healing to Hope shares Anar’s vision to advance the well-being and resilience healing of Palestinian children, youth, and caregivers through meaningful psychosocial support and arts-based healing.
Meeting the Moment
The toll on children’s mental and emotional well-being as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza and the escalating violence in the West Bank cannot be overstated. We recognize the unique and complex challenges the Palestinian community faces, and we share Anar’s vision to empower children, youth, and caregivers through community-based psychosocial support, healing practices, and artistic self-expression. By providing a safe space for children and caregivers to share their experiences and emotions and revitalize their purpose, Anar promotes healing and resilience, which are crucial in addressing the root causes of trauma and oppression in Palestine.
Anar was officially registered as a Palestinian non-profit in the summer of 2023; its role serving a wide range of communities in the West Bank has grown exponentially since that time, attracting the attention of funders like Porticus and UNICEF. In the US, there is greater and greater need to expand awareness about both the challenges Palestinian children face and the programs and methodologies that support them best.
This is where Healing to Hope comes in. Anar means “to light up” in Arabic. Anar lights up the lives of children experiencing trauma through programs and interventions that prioritize their mental health and emotional well-being. Healing to Hope draws inspiration from that light to illuminate Anar’s vital work with children and caregivers, as well as the larger context in which they live. Our aim is to increase our network of US supporters committed to meaningful arts-focused, community-based, Palestinian-led healing work.
"I leave the sessions feeling happy and excited to share with my mom what I've learned. I've learned how to express my feelings without fear."
— Participant, Child
What You Can Do
Join us in supporting Anar’s crucial work. Talk to your friends and share about us online. Join our mailing list to learn more about programming with Palestinian children, youth, caregivers, and communities, as well as future volunteer opportunities. Most importantly, donate now to support the vital healing work with Palestinian children, youth, and caregivers.