The Student Association of the Social Welfare Studies Program (HMPS IKS) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga held another edition of its online forum DISKOTIK (Diskusi Kolaborasi Terkait Isu Terkini – Collaborative Discussion on Current Issues), carrying the theme “Social Work Practice in Palestine: Navigating Complexity and Resilience in a Colonial Context.” The virtual discussion, conducted via Zoom on Thursday evening, drew over one hundred participants from diverse organizations and communities.

The forum featured Shawqi Raji, MA, CAADC, a professional social worker from Palestine, as the main speaker, with Putra Ramadhan serving as moderator and translator.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Muhammad Izzul Haq, Head of the Social Welfare Studies Program, expressed hope that the forum would broaden students’ perspectives on the Palestinian issue from a social work lens. He also noted the relevance of holding the event on Nakba Day, commemorated every May 15 to mark the forced displacement of Palestinians and the establishment of the state of Israel. Afifah Afra Azzahroh, Chair of HMPS IKS, emphasized the importance of cultivating student empathy and solidarity toward global humanitarian issues.

Palestinian Social Workers: Resilience Amid Extreme Adversity

In his presentation, Shawqi Raji offered a sobering account of life under Israeli military occupation. “Killing and violence have become part of the daily routine. Even children and women are not spared from brutality,” he stated.

He highlighted the growing prevalence of early marriage, sexual violence, and collective trauma, particularly among women and children. “Some girls are married as early as six years old, facing horrific conditions,” he noted.

Shawqi outlined two major challenges faced by social workers in Palestine. First, the overwhelming need for services due to the sheer number of victims of violence, families of detainees, and children orphaned by conflict. Second, significant barriers to service delivery caused by military restrictions, including checkpoints and sudden closures. “I left work three hours early to attend this forum but was still delayed at a checkpoint. My cousin was denied passage last week just because our family name was on a list,” he recounted.

Amid the humanitarian crisis, social workers are often forced to confront an impossible dilemma—offering psychosocial support to families who are still struggling for basic necessities. “In Gaza, people queue for hours just to get a loaf of bread,” he said.

He further explained the fragile state of the local social service infrastructure, which relies heavily on international NGOs. Palestinian universities have yet to produce enough professional social workers, and formal education in the field remains limited. Cultural challenges also persist, such as low awareness of mental health needs and the continued practice of early marriage, despite existing awareness campaigns.

Shawqi concluded with a moving reflection: “We are victims trying to help other victims. Occupation turns even the most basic acts of humanity into a struggle—but we endure.”

Following the main presentation, Dr. Lathiful Khuluk, a senior lecturer in the Social Welfare Program, offered his academic response, highlighting the importance of understanding the broader political complexity of the Palestine-Israel conflict in relation to social work practice on the ground.

Participants Engage in Dialogue on Humanitarian Issues

The discussion segment saw active participation from attendees. Gilang Indra Setiawan, a student from UIN Sunan Kalijaga, asked how Palestinian social workers empower vulnerable groups amid logistical blockades. Shawqi emphasized that despite the difficulties, many social workers remain committed to their mission, even pursuing further education abroad to return with enhanced skills and knowledge.

Another question came from Rizal, also a student at UIN, who inquired about the Palestinian government’s role. Shawqi responded that the government welcomes collaboration with international partners, but the Israeli military’s restrictions remain a major barrier to aid distribution.

The forum concluded with an online group photo and the presentation of an e-certificate to the speaker. Organizers expressed hope that this event would raise collective awareness and deepen students' understanding of the role of social work in responding to global humanitarian crises—particularly in Palestine.

source:https://sites.google.com/view/hmpsiksuinsuka/events/diskotik-palestina-2025?authuser=0