Recent research indicates that a significant number of Jews living in the diaspora are experiencing symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to events surrounding October 7 and a notable rise in antisemitism. According to a report from Hadassah UK, 34 percent of survey participants met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, despite being physically removed from the conflict.
The comprehensive study, conducted in partnership with the mental health charity Jami and part of Jewish Care, surveyed 511 individuals. The findings revealed that over 40 percent exhibited symptoms of anxiety disorders, while more than a quarter showed signs of depression. Dr. Shiri Ben-David, who co-authored the report with Neomi Adler-Maimon, highlighted the substantial impact of these events on the mental health of the Jewish community in the United Kingdom.
Insights into Trauma and Antisemitism
Dr. Ben-David pointed to the intensified relationships that Hadassah has formed with Jewish communities worldwide since the onset of the conflict. “We became aware of the wide range of antisemitic incidents, especially in the UK,” she stated. The report identified the phenomenon of “learned helplessness,” a psychological state where repeated negative experiences lead individuals to feel powerless, as a significant factor influencing responses to daily encounters with antisemitism.
The report noted that participants with higher exposure to news and social media regarding the events of October 7 developed stronger feelings of helplessness. Many reported a diminished sense of control over their personal safety and the wellbeing of their community. This feeling was exacerbated by experiences of antisemitism, which cultivated a sense of hypervigilance and social threat, severely affecting their sense of safety and belonging in British society.
Dr. Ben-David found it particularly striking that reminders of the Holocaust had a profound effect on individuals, regardless of their familial connections to it. “In Australia, for example, the Jewish community is largely made up of second-generation descendants of Holocaust survivors. For them, incidents of antisemitism and events from October 7 are naturally linked to the Holocaust,” she explained. “However, in the UK, 75 percent of our participants were not direct descendants of survivors. It was illuminating to observe how Holocaust experiences resonate across the community.”
Addressing Mental Health Needs
The prevalence of PTSD, anxiety, and depression within the UK Jewish community, while lower than in Israel, is significantly higher than the global average. The report emphasizes the importance of social support as a key protective factor against psychological distress. Dr. Ben-David noted that having strong relationships with family, friends, and the community can help mitigate the effects of trauma exposure.
“By providing support to others, individuals can combat feelings of helplessness,” she said. “We aim to ‘unlearn’ this learned helplessness by demonstrating that people can contribute meaningfully to others’ lives.” This reciprocal support fosters a sense of significance and purpose, which serves as a protective buffer against mental health issues.
Rob Taub, executive director of Hadassah UK, remarked, “This report offers clinical clarity to what many in our community have been experiencing since October 7. By integrating insights from the Hadassah Medical Organisation with data from the UK, it underscores the substantial mental health impact of both the conflict and the rise in antisemitism.” He expressed a commitment to collaborating with other UK organizations to translate these findings into tangible support measures, aiming to enhance resilience and recovery within the community.
For those seeking further information, the full report can be accessed at hadassahuk.org/hadassah-uk-report-trauma-and-recovery-in-the-face-of-october-7th-war/.
