Over one million asylum seekers arrived in Europe, seeking refuge from armed conflict. Following the mass influx of refugees arriving in Germany, IsraAID, launched "Bridges of Hope" which aims to provide holistic long term support for refugees upon their resettlement. On top of the cultural shock, many refugees carry deep physical and emotional scars from the violence and unspeakable atrocities suffered during years of conflict; the most vulnerable among them are women and unaccompanied minors.
Everyday there are more asylum seekers arriving in Germany carrying with them only the horrors they left behind and the clothes on their back. For anyone starting over in a new country could be a difficult process but coupled with the violence and traumas many refugees have experienced can be an overwhelming burden. Providing programs to ensure a smooth integration and rehabilitation will benefit not only refugees but also the German people in the communities in which refugees are settling.
IsraAID is providing sustainable support for shelters throughout Germany by working directly with refugees and affected communities. Our holistic approach to providing support includes setting up mobile specialist trauma units, support programs for women and girls who have experienced sexual gender based violence, (GBV) including a vocational program for women, building the capacity of shelter staff through PSS training in intercultural contexts.
By targeting the most vulnerable men, women, and children who would otherwise not receive specialized care as they transition from shelters to permanent residence, we can create a long-term impact allowing refugees to heal and move forward rebuilding their lives in Germany, while providing support across cultural divides between refugees and their German counterparts. Thousands of lives will be affected by this intervention, in cities and towns across Germany.
