Guide for Survivors of Torture


Dr. Diddy Mymin Kahn, a clinical psychologist and trauma specialist, and Sister Azezet Habtezghi Kidane, a nurse and pastoral counselor, have written together a book entitled “A Guide to Recovery for Survivors of Torture”.

azezet diddy

The two authors are co-founders of Kuchinate, the African Refugee Women’s Collective in south Tel Aviv. They have worked together for many years in south Tel Aviv with African asylum seekers and have been assisting many survivors of the torture camps in Sinai. The book is the fruit of their professional expertise and their years of experience.

Walpurga Englbrecht, the representative in Israel of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, writes in the foreword to the book: “During the period 2009 to 2012, more than 41 000 persons crossed the border between Israel and Egypt illegally with the support of smugglers. Many of them passed through the Sinai where they were held in captivity until relatives were able to pay ransom to the smugglers. During their captivity period, many were exposed to various forms of torture and abuse, beatings, continuous shackling, cuffing and blindfolding for the entire captivity period, as well as sexual assaults, including repeated rape. It is estimated that some 7000 individuals were exposed to different levels of atrocities in Sinai. In addition, many of them escaped persecution in their countries of origin, Eritrea and Sudan, where they were exposed to harassment, mistreatment, torture and arrests.”

Dr. Mymin Kahn and Sister Azezet, for their part, write in the introductory chapter: “We have met many very courageous men and women, who are survivors of torture. We know that while you are suffering the effects of your experience, you may not be able to pause to help yourself. This book has been written for you because we know that many people who are suffering the effects of torture are just surviving, trying to earn money and make a living. Life is hard and most people do not have time to go and get help for themselves. With time some people are able to heal and some people are left with effects that disturb them and stop them getting on with their lives. We are hoping that this book can help you in some way to help yourself.”

The book is a worthwhile read for all as it makes more real the world of those who have fallen victim to human cruelty. It is our collective responsibility to put an end to this cruelty and the book will motivate all of us even more.

The book is written in English and Tigrinye.

The book can be purchased at Kuchinate and at the Saint James Vicariate.

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