For many Jewish individuals, the subject of Zionism—and by extension, anti-Zionism—carries deep emotional and psychological weight, extending far beyond political discourse. To truly understand why anti-Zionism can trigger a trauma response, it is essential to explore the profound connection between Israel and the collective sense of safety, survival, and identity that has been woven into Jewish history. Trauma, at its core, is about the experience of feeling unsafe, and for Jews worldwide, Israel has become a symbol of protection and refuge.

What happens when political affiliations and social activism infiltrate healthcare dynamics? In our current climate, marked by rising hostility towards Jews and the pervasive influence of social media, it is alarmingly easy to witness instances of antisemitism among healthcare providers. Patients now find themselves grappling not only with the fear that their providers may be unable to care for them adequately but also with the more profound concern of whether they can feel psychologically safe while receiving that care. Until October 7th, this was not a worry for my patients, my peers, or myself. 

In the current landscape of rising antisemitism, the intersection of mental health and the fight against antisemitism has become a focal point of my professional and personal efforts. Understanding the profound impact of macro gaslighting and discrimination on individuals, communities, and society at large is not only crucial but imperative.

In today’s diverse world, cultural competency is essential as it fosters empathy and compassion. Understanding and respecting cultural backgrounds fosters inclusivity, reduces prejudice, and promotes harmonious interactions. Cultural competency involves recognizing and appreciating cultural differences and interacting effectively with diverse people. It includes knowledge, attitudes, and skills that enable individuals to understand and respect cultural differences. Cultural competency fosters an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and safe

Our ancestors experiences included recurring persecutions. A healthier perspective on this is to view Jewish History as a 4000 year old story of resilience. The implication of course is that our resilience continues today, in the face of current trauma, both collectively an as individuals.

Antisemitism is a part of the Jewish experience and existence in this world. Just as we have the "stranger danger" talk in order to prepare our kids about the reality of kidnappers and pedophiles, addressing the reality of antisemitism is critical. Here’s how we can approach this important conversation with our children.

The current wave of anti-semitism was sparked by the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. Although the majority of the victims were Israeli civilians, public reaction worldwide quickly and inexplicably moved from celebration of the attack to blaming the victims, and more recently to acts affecting Jews worldwide.

These acts range from subtle acts of discrimination to overt displays of hatred, the impact of antisemitism on individuals cannot be overstated. While public discourse often focuses on addressing the root causes of this bigotry, it is equally important to recognize and prioritize the psychological well-being of those who have been targeted.

In recent weeks, universities across the globe have become arenas for impassioned debates and demonstrations surrounding the Israel-Hamas War. While freedom of speech and expression are fundamental values of academic institutions, the intensity and polarization of these discussions can have significant mental health implications, particularly for Jewish students. As demonstrations regarding the Israel-Hamas War proliferate on campuses, it is crucial to examine the psychological impact they have on Jewish students and the importance of supporting their mental well-being.

Recently, the world has been marred by many events that have deeply affected us all. For Jewish individuals and communities, these challenges have taken on a profound and unique form. The echoes of historical pain, stemming from a legacy of struggles, persecution, and resilience, reverberate through the generations. This historical trauma, combined with the intricacies of our contemporary reality, has created a tapestry of challenges that sometimes feel insurmountable.

Following the impactful events on October 7th within the Jewish community, therapists are addressing the challenges it presents in therapy spaces. The Kesher Shalom Workshop, having trained over 1000 therapists globally, becomes vital, providing support for therapists during these times and assisting clients in dealing with shared trauma. It emphasizes clinical supervision and countertransference considerations for a safer therapeutic environment.