The war in Gaza has left many Palestinian expats in the UAE struggling with survivor’s guilt. Away from the violence in their homeland, they are torn between their new lives and the suffering of their loved ones. Rita Zakhour, a clinical psychologist at Nafsi Health, describes survivor’s guilt as a heavy feeling that weighs on the heart and mind after surviving a traumatic event. Many Palestinians abroad face this psychological struggle, feeling guilty for enjoying life while others face unimaginable horrors.
Survivor’s guilt is not limited to those who narrowly escape traumatic events but also affects those with a strong sense of empathy for those suffering, especially when they have a cultural or familial connection. Palestinians in the UAE often feel this guilt due to constant exposure to news from home, leaving them struggling with their privilege and inability to help more directly. The guilt manifests as haunting questions about why they were spared and how they can continue living normally.
For many Palestinian expats, living in the UAE means balancing life in two worlds. Reem describes the constant struggle between her comfortable life in the UAE and the reality her family faces in Gaza. She speaks of the suffocating guilt she feels for living in safety while her loved ones are in constant fear. Duaa shares a similar experience, feeling like she is living in a bubble while her family is trapped in an endless nightmare. She carries the guilt of being safe when her family doesn’t have that chance.
Coping mechanisms vary for Palestinians in the UAE, but the pain of survivor’s guilt remains constant. Some turn to therapy, while others engage in advocacy and awareness-raising efforts for the people of Gaza. Zakhour emphasizes the importance of addressing these feelings constructively by acknowledging emotions, seeking support, and finding meaningful ways to help. The battle with survivor’s guilt continues for Palestinian expats in the UAE, leaving them torn between two worlds – one of safety and the other of suffering. Hope remains a crucial element in overcoming the psychological burden of survivor’s guilt.
