"I am Latifa Imad Shtat, a survivor of death and a psychotherapist from Gaza. I believe that from pain, hope is born — and that under the rubble, life begins again."

Latifa is not just a PhD student in mental health. She graduated top of her class with distinction and has worked for over 10 years as a psychotherapist, serving women and children in Gaza.

But Latifa also carries an extraordinary story.

She survived four separate bombings, including one in which her home was hit directly.

She was injured, lost her brother, saw her siblings seriously wounded, and lost many loved ones.

Despite it all, she returned to help, to heal, to live.

And despite the pain… she chose to stay.

Since the beginning of the war, Latifa has received several offers to leave Gaza — opportunities to save herself and start a new life in safer places, offered by friends working in international institutions.

But she refused to leave, following the call of her heart and her mission.

Latifa says:

"I am here because I have a right to this land. I want to remain beside the people, to treat them, hear them, and support them through all this destruction. I am a source of safety for those who lost theirs, and peace for those who never knew it. I treat the soul before the body — I try to stitch wounds no one sees."

What does Latifa need now?

Latifa has completed all her academic coursework and paid her tuition fees. The only step remaining is:

Writing her dissertation, submitting it, and graduating.

Dissertation writing cost: $6,700

Academic journal publication: $300–$500

Administrative & certification costs (TOEFL, printing, university documentation): $1,500–$2,000

Total required: $9,000 USD / 8000 Euros.

This amount will help Latifa:

✅ Pay university dissertation fees

✅ Publish her research in a peer-reviewed journal

✅ Cover remaining academic requirements

✅ Continue her scientific and humanitarian work in Gaza

About the Research

Latifa is working with a colleague on a qualitative study titled:

“Role Conflict Among Working Women Who Lost Their Husbands in Gaza – A Qualitative Study.”

The research was conducted independently and is now ready for final editing and publication.

Publishing in a reputable academic journal will amplify the voices of Gaza’s women and provide valuable psychological data to scholars and policymakers.

Who is Latifa?

A trauma-focused psychotherapist specializing in war-related PTSD

Survived 4 bombings and returned to treat others immediately after

Founded a volunteer initiative called “Aman” to support Gazans in psychological, social, economic, and humanitarian a

reasRepresented Palestine abroad (Lebanon 2021 – Egypt 2023)

Uses modern therapy methods: CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR, art and music therapy

Believes “The soul deserves peace, and the body deserves not to be exhausted.”

❤️ How You Can Help

Your support will allow:

Completion of a dissertation by a therapist who gave so much through her pain

Publication of a study that tells the story of women who lost everything in war

The continuation of a life-saving humanitarian and scientific mission in Gaza

Be part of a story of resilience rising from the rubble.

Support Latifa today. Help build knowledge that heals, therapy that saves, and a message that continues its path.

Every dollar makes a difference. Every share amplifies a voice.