Watermelon soap from cosmetics company Lush supports the mental health of Palestinian children
LONDON: British cosmetics retailer Lush has launched a watermelon soap, with proceeds going to fund vital mental health support and trauma counselling for children in Gaza and the West Bank.
Watermelons are now considered a symbol of solidarity with Palestine because they contain the colors of the Palestinian flag.
Lush soap is made from natural ingredients and safe synthetics such as rapeseed, coconut, watermelon, bergamot and rose.
In 2011, the British Medical Journal published a review study that found high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder among Palestinian children. New research from Save the Children has found that 95 percent of children in Gaza now report depression, hyperactivity, a desire to be alone and aggressiveness.
Lush's support is nothing new. The company sources extra virgin olive oil from the Marda Permaculture Farm in Palestine, which is committed to social and environmental renewal. The farm promotes sustainable agricultural practices and provides economic opportunities for local communities.
