The news of Dr. Mustafa Elmasri’s passing deeply saddened me. He was not only a pillar for the community but also an icon who left an indelible mark on Gaza, especially in the lives of its children. His work, dedication, and bravery in the face of overwhelming adversity have inspired so many. His legacy lives on in ways we could never have imagined.

Dr. Elmasri was not just a psychologist; he was a pillar of support for countless children who had been scarred by the horrors of war. His tireless efforts in providing psychological support to children living under occupation were invaluable. He used creative methods, such as art therapy, to help these children express their trauma and start the healing process. His ability to understand the human psyche and combine it with therapeutic techniques made him a true pioneer in his field.

Who Was Dr. Mustafa Elmasri?

Dr. Mustafa Elmasri was a Palestinian psychiatrist, educator, and advocate who dedicated his life to supporting the children of Gaza. After receiving his medical degree from Alexandria University and a psychiatry degree in 1996 from Ain Shams University in Egypt, Dr. Elmasri began his career as a psychiatrist. He started working at the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme, where he served as a clinical psychiatrist, researcher, and clinical supervisor.

His professional background was vast and far-reaching, Dr. Elmasri worked in several developing countries, designing and implementing psychosocial and mental health programmes aimed at helping children, women, and adults exposed to trauma from war, conflict, and political violence. His expertise wasn’t just rooted in theory; it was grounded in real-world experience, dealing with some of the most vulnerable populations affected by war.

In Gaza, his work focused on providing psychological care to children who had witnessed unimaginable violence. Recognising that many children in Gaza were unable to process their emotions verbally, Dr. Elmasri often used art as a tool for therapy. By encouraging children to draw their feelings, he helped them communicate their pain, fears, and hopes in a way that words could not.

Though not an artist himself, Dr. Elmasri understood the therapeutic power of art and used it as a means to help children heal from their traumatic experiences. His workshops provided a safe space for children to express themselves and begin to understand their emotions in a supportive environment.

His Work and the Impact on Gaza’s Children

Dr. Elmasri’s approach to therapy was innovative and deeply compassionate. He recognised that the trauma children experienced from war wasn’t just physical but emotional and psychological, often manifesting in ways that were difficult for others to understand. By using art, he gave these children an outlet to express their inner world.

Through drawing and other creative methods, children who had witnessed unimaginable violence were able to release their trauma, giving them a sense of agency and control over their own healing process. His work made an extraordinary impact on the lives of so many children in Gaza. These therapeutic sessions were often the only place where children could be free to express their pain and grief without fear of judgment or further violence. For many, it was a crucial step in moving toward recovery and finding hope for the future.

Outspoken and Unwavering in the Face of Occupation

Dr. Elmasri was also known for his strong advocacy in the face of the ongoing occupation. He never hesitated to speak out about the suffering of his people. He used his voice to raise awareness about the psychological toll the occupation had on Gaza’s children and the critical need for mental health support.

His work was a testament to his courage. He knew that for Gaza’s children to heal, the world needed to understand their suffering. Through his efforts, Dr. Elmasri helped to shine a light on the importance of psychological care and the need for greater international intervention to support Gaza’s most vulnerable.

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

What struck me most about Dr. Elmasri was his unwavering resilience. Despite the countless challenges that came with working in Gaza, limited resources, constant threats of violence, and the harsh reality of living under occupation, he remained steadfast in his mission. There was no obstacle that could deter him from providing psychological support to children in need.

Dr. Elmasri demonstrated that resilience is not about being unaffected by hardship, but about finding ways to continue despite it. His work was a powerful reminder that hope and healing are possible, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Dr. Elmasri’s Legacy

Though Dr. Mustafa Elmasri is no longer with us, his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched and the many organisations that continue his work. The Gaza Great Minds Foundation is one such organisation that draws inspiration from Dr. Elmasri’s life and his unwavering belief in the power of psychological support for children.

We carry forward Dr. Elmasri’s mission by providing the same care and support that he advocated for. We believe in the transformative power of psychological care, just as he did, and we work to provide the children of Gaza with the tools they need to heal and thrive. His work, his dedication, and his belief in the potential of every child continue to guide our efforts.

Rest in Power

Dr. Mustafa Elmasri was not just a psychiatrist and educator; he was a true champion for Gaza’s children. His innovative use of art therapy to help children process their trauma, his advocacy for mental health support, and his resilience in the face of adversity have left a lasting impact.

His legacy lives on, and his vision for a better, more supportive future for Gaza’s children will continue to inspire us all. Though he may no longer walk among us, his impact will echo for generations. His legacy is woven into the very fabric of Gaza’s future. A future where healing, hope, and care are no longer out of reach.

Dr. Elmasri’s spirit lives on in every child whose life he touched, and in the hearts of all who continue to fight for a better, kinder world. His memory will never fade.