Mental Health Expert Addresses Israel's Collective Trauma and Resilience Amid Ongoing Conflict

The widespread mourning following the heaviest single-day loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust has deeply shaken the collective sense of safety among Israelis and Jewish communities worldwide, according to a leading mental health expert.

Dr. Danny Brom, the Founding Director of METIV, the Israel Psychotrauma Center located in Jerusalem, discussed the psychological impact of recent events during an interview with Angela Diffley. Dr. Brom highlighted that alongside profound grief, a notable degree of resilience remains evident within the population as individuals and communities navigate the ongoing trauma.

Rebuilding Safety Amid Ongoing Hostilities

A central challenge facing Israeli society is determining how individuals, local groups, and the broader public can restore a feeling of security without permitting fear to shape their future actions. Dr. Brom noted that addressing trauma is particularly complex because the active conflict has not concluded.

Dr. Brom observed that the psychological recovery process is occurring while active hostilities persist. He pointed out a disconnect regarding public messaging, noting that while the war continues, political figures frequently reference achieving ultimate victory, a concept he suggested remains ill-defined.