Living Under Fire: The Emotional Toll of Constant Vigilance

Living in Israel during the Gulf War was an experience that profoundly shaped my understanding of resilience. As an American with deep ties to Israel, I had visited many times, but nothing could have prepared me for the intensity of those days in January 1991. When the first Scud missiles were launched by Iraq toward Israel, fear and uncertainty gripped the nation. We sealed our rooms with plastic sheeting, donned gas masks, and anxiously awaited the all-clear signal. The fear of chemical attacks, destruction, and the unknown loomed large. Yet, amidst the anxiety, what struck me most was the steadfast resolve of the Israeli people.

Life in Israel did not come to a halt. Schools remained open, businesses continued to operate, and families found ways to maintain normalcy amidst the chaos. This resilience, a hallmark of Israeli society, is a double-edged sword. While it enables survival in the face of adversity, it also leaves enduring psychological and emotional scars—scars that have shaped both the Israeli people and the Jewish community more broadly.

Psychological and Emotional Impact of Constant Vigilance

During the Gulf War, the constant sound of air raid sirens and the rush to secure ourselves in sealed rooms created a heightened state of alertness. This wasn’t a one-time event; it was a continuous reality, with Scud missiles threatening at any moment. This constant vigilance fostered resilience, but it also bred chronic anxiety. Over time, this relentless state of alert can lead to anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, and a pervasive sense of unease that never fully dissipates.

Even after the war, the psychological impact lingered. The trauma of living under such threats can resurface in unexpected ways—through nightmares, heightened stress responses to loud noises, or a persistent feeling of vulnerability. For many Israelis, the experience of the Gulf War is just one chapter in a life shaped by similar threats, each leaving its own set of scars.

Intergenerational Trauma and Resilience Fatigue

The impact of living under constant threat doesn’t just affect those who experienced it firsthand; it reverberates across generations. Children who grew up during the Gulf War, or who have heard stories of it from their parents, often inherit a sense of vigilance and anxiety. This intergenerational trauma can lead to a collective mindset where fear and caution are passed down, shaping the psyche of even those who never lived through the original events.

While resilience is necessary, it can also lead to emotional exhaustion over time. The constant need to be strong and endure hardship can result in resilience fatigue, where the capacity to cope with new challenges diminishes. This fatigue can manifest as feelings of hopelessness, detachment, or a reluctance to engage with new challenges, as the emotional reserves needed to cope with adversity become depleted.

The Impact on Relationships and Community

During the Gulf War, I witnessed firsthand how resilience brought people together. Families, neighbors, and even strangers supported one another, sharing resources and offering comfort. However, the stress and fear that come with living under constant threat can also strain relationships. The pressure to protect loved ones and the constant worry about safety can create tension within families and communities.

This culture of resilience often fosters strong community bonds, but it can also lead to emotional distance. Parents might struggle to shield their children from the harsh realities, while children may internalize their parents’ anxieties. Over time, this can lead to a hardened exterior—a necessary defense mechanism, but one that can also prevent deeper emotional connections. This is where relationship skills training can be particularly helpful. Exercises that help people express and release painful emotions, like those we teach at PAIRS, can provide a constructive outlet for the stress and tension that build up in such environments.

The Enduring Legacy of Preparedness

A culture of preparedness is deeply ingrained in Israeli society. From emergency drills to the widespread availability of bomb shelters and safe rooms, the need to be ready for the next crisis is a constant undercurrent in daily life. While this preparedness is crucial for survival, it reinforces a sense of impending doom, making it difficult for people to fully relax or enjoy moments of peace. The psychological impact of this constant state of readiness is significant, contributing to a collective mindset that is always on edge, anticipating the next crisis.

The Jewish People’s Historical Resilience

The resilience observed in Israel during the Gulf War is part of a broader narrative that has shaped the Jewish people for centuries. From the exile of ancient times, through the horrors of the Holocaust, to the ongoing challenges faced in modern Israel, the Jewish people have continually demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to endure and adapt. This resilience is a source of immense pride, but it also carries the weight of collective trauma.

For the Jewish people, resilience has often meant survival in the face of persecution, displacement, and violence. It has fostered a strong sense of community and solidarity, essential for withstanding the pressures of history. Yet, this resilience has also shaped a collective identity that is marked by vigilance and caution—a response to centuries of adversity that has been passed down through generations.

This history of resilience is both a testament to the strength of the Jewish people and a reminder of the emotional and psychological toll that such resilience can exact. The ability to persevere has ensured the survival of Jewish culture and tradition, but it has also left deep emotional scars, contributing to a collective wariness and the persistent need to be prepared for the worst.

Struggle for Normalcy and Role of Psychological Support

For many Israelis, and for the Jewish people more generally, the challenge lies in balancing the need for resilience with the desire to lead a normal life. The dual existence of maintaining an outward appearance of normalcy while carrying the weight of inner fears creates a dissonance that can lead to feelings of isolation and emotional strain.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for psychological support and mental health services within Israel and the global Jewish community. Efforts to address the enduring psychological scars of resilience include trauma counseling, community support groups, and initiatives aimed at building emotional resilience in healthier, more sustainable ways. Educating the public about the importance of mental health and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help are crucial steps in tending to these hidden wounds.

Relationship skills training, particularly exercises that help people express and release painful emotions, can play a vital role in this process. These skills offer a structured way for individuals to process their experiences and communicate with others, helping to mitigate the emotional toll of constant vigilance and fear.

Resilience and Healing

Living in Israel during the Gulf War revealed the immense resilience of the Israeli people and, by extension, the Jewish community. This resilience is a source of strength, enabling survival in the face of adversity. However, it also comes with a cost—one that is felt deeply in the psychological and emotional fabric of the community. The challenge moving forward is to balance this resilience with the need for healing and psychological support, ensuring that the scars left by past traumas do not define the future.

By recognizing the dual nature of resilience and addressing its impacts, both Israeli society and the global Jewish community can continue to thrive, not just by enduring hardships but by healing from them as well. Integrating relationship skills training and mental health support into this journey can provide the tools necessary for true emotional recovery and connection.