One year after the October 7th, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel, life remains far from normal. Dr. David Fox, director of crisis and trauma services for Chai Lifeline International, paints a sobering picture of the ongoing impact on Israeli society, revealing the profound psychological scars left by the massacre and the ongoing threat of violence.
Fox, who has traveled to Israel extensively since the attacks, has witnessed firsthand the lasting effects on both survivors and their families. He describes a population grappling with constant fear, heightened anxiety, and the daily reality of living near an active war zone. The attacks have led to tens of thousands of Israelis being internally displaced, with many families facing the agonizing separation of loved ones called up for active duty. The uncertainty surrounding the future, the fear of another attack, and the heavy burden of responsibility for families with deployed loved ones contribute to a pervasive sense of unease and trauma.
The impact extends beyond the immediate victims. Dr. Fox highlights the anxieties of parents whose children are exposed to a constant state of heightened alert, and the challenges of reintegration for those who have returned from military service. The situation is particularly acute in moshavs, Jewish agricultural settlements surrounded by hostile villages. Settlers report hearing messages from mosques calling for attacks against Jews, creating a palpable sense of vulnerability and insecurity.
Fox emphasizes the crucial role of Chai Lifeline’s crisis hotline, Zoom counseling, and trauma intervention programs in providing support to Israelis and their families affected by the attacks. He observes a growing political consciousness among young Israelis, as they question the reliability of international actors who failed to offer meaningful support during the crisis. He argues that the world’s expectation that Israel should not defend itself, or even retaliate for the massacre and slaughter of its citizens, is unrealistic and unjust. He emphasizes that Israel’s response is akin to what any sovereign nation would do when faced with such a devastating attack.
Beyond the immediate trauma of the October 7th attacks, Fox notes a growing sense of unity and resilience among the Israeli people, as they rally together to support each other. This spirit of collective support is essential in addressing the enduring trauma and navigating the challenges ahead.
Fox’s observations extend beyond Israel’s borders, highlighting the rising antisemitism in the US, particularly on college campuses. He points to the growing fear among Jewish students and the alarming trend of Jewish students opting to transfer to Jewish institutions due to perceived lack of safety at major universities. Drawing parallels to the pre-World War II era in Germany, Fox expresses concern over the seeming tolerance and, at times, even condoning of antisemitic sentiments by university leadership. He worries that the current situation bears a disturbing resemblance to the climate that allowed for the rise of antisemitism and the subsequent persecution of Jews in Nazi Germany. Fox’s words serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in combating antisemitism and ensuring the safety and well-being of Jewish communities everywhere.
