The toll of human suffering from the outbreak of hostilities on October 7 is universally tragic. These horrific events forced us to accept, or at least acknowledge, the unacceptable.
The conflict created personal traumatic experiences as well as historical trauma, a form of trauma that impacts entire communities. This cumulative emotional or psychological wounding resulting from a group’s traumatic experiences results in traumatic stress being experienced across generations. The impact is about what has happened in the past, but also about what is still happening including the recent rise of anti-Semitism. Traumatic events are experienced as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening.
These experiences result in lasting adverse effects on the individual’s mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being and functioning. The events of October 7, 2023, and the ongoing war have torn open traumatic wounds from historic or intergenerational traumas. On the anniversary of the massacre, we can recognize the impact of these horrifying and ongoing events. Much research exists and continues to be done about the intergenerational impact of trauma and building resilience. Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress. This can mean bouncing back (or perhaps “bouncing forward”) from difficult experiences.
Ways to bounce back and adapt include:
• Being able to talk about feelings
• Feeling supported by family in difficult times
• Participating in community traditions
• Feeling supported by friends
• Feeling safe and protected at home
• Increasing healthy relationships
• Growing support systems
• Taking care of our body, practicing mindfulness, and avoiding negative outlets
• Embracing healthy thoughts
• Focusing on accepting change
• Maintaining a hopeful outlook
• Learning from the past
• Seeking professional help
These coping skills can help us to move toward a path to connection, hope, strength, resilience, and wellness. The most important step we can take is to acknowledge the trauma and find our path to healing. Jewish Family Service has therapists available to help you cope with trauma or other issues.
Contact JFS by emailing counseling@jfslv.org or call us at 610-821-8722.
Author: Stuart Horowitz is a retired Licensed Clinical Social Worker and JFS Board Vice President of Programming and Chair of the Clinical Committee.