Charm is an organisation committed to non-coercive and compassionate approaches to mental health. We believe that this can only be achieved in an environment that respects the human and civil rights of all people. We are an organisation that is committed to anti-racism. 

As a mental health campaigning organisation we are conscious of the deep seated and long lasting trauma of the Palestinians since the establishment of the Israeli state and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian lands. 

The military actions of the Israeli army over the last three months has displaced the majority of the two million Palestinians in Gaza, denying them the right to life through the destruction of medical facilities, the denial of food and water and the destruction of 70% of homes in Gaza so far. The vast majority of people killed are innocent non-combatants.  The bombing still continues. Oppression and killings of civilians also continues in the West Bank. The mental traumas inflicted on the entire Palestinian population as a result of these actions will impact not just the current generation, but generations to come. We recognise that all violence, including the actions of the Israeli state will have long term traumatic impacts on Israeli citizens. We are deeply sorry for the loss of life and pain that Israelis have also suffered. 

The suffering of all communities has highlighted the importance of standing up against racist discrimination and apartheid. It is essential to create a civil society in which everyone is equal. 

We call for an immediate unconditional ceasefire and the restoration of funding to UNRWA. In support of UNRWA, CHARM will make a donation of £100 and encourage others to donate to UNRWA, Medical Aid for Palestine or Middle East Children’s Alliance Gaza appeal. 

We therefore join with others to support the economic, cultural and academic boycott of Israel that has been called by the Palestinian people: Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS)