The Long Shadow of Trauma: Israel’s Mental health Crisis After October 7
The October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel left an indelible mark on the nation, not just physically but emotionally.In a poignant article published by the Jerusalem Post, Israeli doctor Jonathan Lieberman delves into the profound mental health crisis that has gripped the country in the aftermath of the tragedy. Titled “The Long enthusiasm Will Require a Greater Investment in Mental Health Resources,” the piece underscores the urgent need for systemic change to address the collective trauma experienced by Israelis.
Lieberman begins by recounting the emotional turmoil he felt while watching footage of hamas releasing three Israeli prisoners during the ceasefire. He describes the moment as an ”emotional stability collapse,” a phrase that encapsulates the nation’s fragile state. His feelings, he writes, were “placed in a juice mixer that was operated with full strength,” a vivid metaphor for the conflicting emotions of joy, pain, and disgust that many Israelis experienced.
The joy of seeing Rumi, Emily, and Doron reunited with their families was tempered by a “strong and painful desire” to see others share the same relief. Yet, this was overshadowed by a “disgusting lust for blood” displayed by their kidnappers in the media and the fear of releasing Palestinian prisoners. Lieberman’s words paint a picture of a nation caught between hope and despair, grappling with the psychological scars of war.
The article highlights the far-reaching impact of the October 7 attack, which Lieberman describes as a “new era” for Israel. He emphasizes that the focus on the physical health of released hostages must not overshadow the mental health crisis affecting not only the hostages but also the wounded, the bereaved, the displaced, and every citizen in the country.
Drawing a parallel to the Holocaust, Lieberman speaks of “hitler’s long shadow,” the intergenerational trauma that continues to haunt Jewish communities. He warns that the “collective shock” of October 7 will cast a similar “long shadow of Hamas,” one that will require sustained mental health support for years to come.
Israel’s mental health system, already strained by years of underfunding and the COVID-19 pandemic, is ill-equipped to handle the surge in demand for services. Lieberman points to a “severe shortage of psychologists and other mental health professionals,” attributing this to factors such as lack of financing, poor working conditions, and overwhelming demand.
To address this crisis, he calls for long-term solutions, including greater state investment in mental health infrastructure and resources.He stresses the urgent need to train more trauma specialists, noting that “in the short term, we are all to intensify efforts and transform into amateur psychologists.”
Lieberman concludes with practical advice for Israelis, urging them to recognise the signs of trauma in themselves and others and to seek appropriate services.His message is clear: the road to recovery will be long, but with collective effort and investment, Israel can heal.
key Takeaways
| Issue | Details |
|——————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Emotional Impact | Collective trauma from October 7 attack affects all Israelis. |
| systemic Challenges | Shortage of mental health professionals due to underfunding and high demand.|
| Long-Term Solutions | Greater investment in mental health infrastructure and trauma specialists. |
| Immediate Actions | Public awareness and amateur psychological support. |
The October 7 attack has left Israel grappling with a mental health crisis of unprecedented scale. As Lieberman’s article makes clear, addressing this crisis will require not just immediate action but a sustained commitment to healing the nation’s wounds.
