Eyad al-Sarraj

Eyad al-Sarraj (1944 – 17 December 2013) was a prominent Palestinian psychiatrist and human rights activist. He is best known for his work in the field of mental health, particularly in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and for his advocacy for human rights in the Palestinian territories. Al-Sarraj was the founder and director of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP), an organization dedicated to providing mental health services to the residents of the Gaza Strip.

Early Life and Education

Eyad al-Sarraj was born in 1944 in Beersheba, Mandatory Palestine. His family fled to the Gaza Strip during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, becoming refugees. Al-Sarraj pursued his higher education in medicine, specializing in psychiatry. He received his medical degree from Alexandria University in Egypt and later completed his specialization in psychiatry in the United Kingdom.

Career

Upon returning to the Gaza Strip, al-Sarraj observed the profound psychological impacts of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on both individuals and communities. This observation led him to establish the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme in 1990, with the aim of providing mental health services to the people affected by the conflict. Under his leadership, the GCMHP became a leading institution in the field of mental health in the region.

Al-Sarraj's work extended beyond clinical practice. He was a vocal critic of human rights abuses and took a firm stance against torture and the detention of political prisoners. He was particularly concerned with the psychological effects of occupation and violence on children and adolescents. Al-Sarraj's advocacy efforts were not limited to the Palestinian cause; he also spoke out against internal Palestinian human rights abuses.

Contributions and Legacy

Eyad al-Sarraj made significant contributions to the understanding of the psychological effects of conflict and occupation. He published numerous articles and studies on the subject, bringing international attention to the mental health crisis in the Gaza Strip. His work has been recognized globally, and he received several awards for his contributions to human rights and mental health, including the Olof Palme Prize in 2010.

Al-Sarraj's legacy is marked by his commitment to human rights and the well-being of his community. He is remembered as a pioneer in the field of mental health in Palestine and as a courageous advocate for peace and justice.

Death

Eyad al-Sarraj passed away on 17 December 2013 after a long battle with leukemia. His death was mourned by many around the world who admired his dedication to human rights and mental health.

See Also

• Gaza Community Mental Health Programme
• Mental health in the Palestinian territories
• Human rights in the Palestinian territories