A recent report has revealed that over a third of Jewish people living in the diaspora exhibit signs of probable post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the events of October 7 and a notable rise in antisemitic incidents. The survey, conducted by Hadassah UK in partnership with the mental health charity Jami, highlights the psychological impact of these events, despite many being thousands of miles away from the conflict.
According to the findings, 34 percent of the 511 respondents met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. Additionally, the study found that more than 40 percent of participants showed signs of anxiety disorders, and over a quarter exhibited symptoms of depression. Dr. Shiri Ben-David, who co-authored the report with Neomi Adler-Maimon, expressed a deep concern regarding these results, noting the significant psychological burden on the community.
Impact of Antisemitism and Trauma
Dr. Ben-David emphasized the importance of understanding the connection between learned helplessness—a psychological state where individuals feel they lack control over their circumstances—and the rise in antisemitism. Participants reported that higher exposure to news and social media coverage of the October 7 events intensified feelings of helplessness regarding their safety and ability to protect their community.
The report notes that these experiences created a “climate of hypervigilance,” significantly affecting participants’ sense of safety and belonging within British society. This pervasive anxiety has led to ongoing psychological stress, impacting their daily lives.
Interestingly, the report also examined the effects of Holocaust reminders among the Jewish community. Dr. Ben-David pointed out that in countries like Australia, many community members are second-generation descendants of Holocaust survivors, leading to a clearer connection between recent antisemitic incidents and historical trauma. Conversely, in the UK, about 75 percent of participants were not direct descendants of Holocaust survivors, yet the report found that Holocaust-related experiences still influenced their reactions to contemporary antisemitism.
Support and Recovery
Despite the alarming prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression in the UK Jewish community, the report highlights that social support emerged as a critical protective factor against psychological distress. The quality of relationships with family, friends, and the broader community can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of trauma exposure.
Dr. Ben-David noted the importance of community support, stating that providing assistance to others helps individuals feel less helpless. “Every person has something they can give, and once you give something, what you immediately get back is the feeling that you are meaningful to someone else, which is a huge protective factor,” she explained.
Rob Taub, executive director of Hadassah UK, commented on the significance of the report, stating, “This report gives clinical clarity to what many in our community have been experiencing since October 7. By combining Hadassah Medical Organisation’s expertise with UK data, it highlights the profound mental health impact of both the war and rising antisemitism.”
Taub also emphasized the organization’s commitment to collaborating with other UK entities to transform these findings into effective support systems that enhance resilience and recovery within the community.
For further details, the full report is available at hadassahuk.org/hadassah-uk-report-trauma-and-recovery-in-the-face-of-october-7th-war/.
