The Collective Trauma of Conflict: Living Under Threat in Israel

As tensions rise on Israel’s northern front, with increasing reports of military activity and the looming threat of continued escalation, the emotional and psychological toll of living under constant threat continues to take center stage. But while the northern front is currently dominating headlines, it’s important to remember that tremendous tensions also persist on other fronts, particularly in Gaza, Judea, and Samaria. The entire country is on edge, navigating multiple flashpoints of conflict that feed into a broader experience of collective trauma.

The situation in Israel is complex, marked by ongoing geopolitical instability that touches every corner of society. From the sirens and rocket attacks in Gaza-border and the northern communities to the simmering unrest in Judea and Samaria, the psychological impact of living under threat is a shared experience for many Israelis. This blog will explore the concept of collective trauma and how the ongoing conflict across multiple fronts shapes both individual and national psyches. It will also emphasize the fact that while many associate trauma with PTSD, the emotional and psychological fallout can take many forms, affecting people in ways that may not fit the conventional PTSD diagnosis.

Real-Time Trauma: Living on Multiple Fronts

At this moment, Israel faces threats from several fronts simultaneously. The northern border is heating up, with skirmishes and rocket attacks from Hezbollah militants increasing the risk of a wider regional conflict. Residents of northern towns and cities are back to the familiar routine of dashing for bomb shelters when air raid sirens blare. The fear is palpable, and the stress levels are high. But for those living in Israel, this is not the only concern.

On the southern front, communities near the Gaza border are still coping with the aftershocks of continued escalations with Hamas. Rockets continue to target the area sporadically, and many families live with the constant fear that another round of violence could break out at any moment. In Judea and Samaria, tensions between settlers and Palestinian communities are simmering, with violent clashes erupting periodically. Israeli Defense Forces continue to operate in these regions to prevent further escalation, but for civilians living there, the uncertainty and threat of violence remain a constant.

Living under the pressure of potential conflict on multiple fronts creates a unique and challenging emotional environment. The uncertainty of when or where the following incident will happen can lead to anticipatory trauma, where people are constantly waiting for the next siren, attack, or report of violence. This psychological state keeps individuals and families in a state of heightened alert, which can be as emotionally exhausting as the actual events themselves.

Collective Trauma: A National Experience

In Israel, trauma is not limited to individual experiences. Collective trauma occurs when an entire community or nation experiences distressing events together. The ongoing threat from multiple fronts—north, south, and within the country—means that Israelis are deeply connected to each other’s suffering. Whether it’s the soldiers stationed in the north, the civilians near Gaza, or the families in Judea and Samaria, each conflict point impacts the broader population in a way that creates a shared national experience of trauma.

This collective trauma is felt in several ways. For one, it fosters a deep sense of solidarity among Israelis. In times of crisis, communities come together, offering each other emotional support and resources to cope with the immediate threats. This solidarity is an important coping mechanism, helping people feel less alone as they navigate the stress of living under constant threat. However, collective trauma also has a darker side. Over time, continuous exposure to conflict can foster a sense of mistrust and hypervigilance, not only toward external threats but also within communities. People can become more reactive, more anxious, and even more divided on how best to deal with the ever-present danger.

Israel’s collective trauma also feeds into its national identity. Decades of conflict have cemented a narrative of existential threat—where we always feel under siege, always on the defensive. This narrative, while rooted in real historical and ongoing geopolitical realities, can exacerbate the emotional toll on all of us living there. When people are constantly reminded of their vulnerability, it becomes harder to find a sense of normalcy or safety, even in periods of relative calm.

The Psychological Toll of Living Under Threat

While PTSD is often the most recognized form of trauma, the psychological impact of living under threat can manifest in many other ways. For some, the constant stress leads to chronic anxiety—a state of always being “on guard,” whether or not there is an immediate threat. This can disrupt sleep, affect concentration, and even lead to physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, and fatigue. For others, the experience of living through repeated conflicts creates emotional numbing, where individuals become desensitized to the violence and danger around them as a way of coping. While this may help them function in the short term, it can lead to long-term issues such as depression, detachment, and difficulty forming close relationships.

Secondary trauma is another significant issue, especially for those who are not directly on the front lines but are deeply connected to people who are. Families with soldiers stationed in the north, parents with children living near Gaza, or relatives of those in conflict zones experience secondary trauma as they live in fear for their loved ones’ safety. This emotional burden is heavy, often manifesting as anxiety, sleeplessness, or a feeling of helplessness. Even those far from the physical conflict are affected, as the tension in the air permeates the entire country.

The intergenerational trauma passed down from previous conflicts, such as the Holocaust, wars, and acts of terrorism, also compounds the emotional burden. Israelis are deeply connected to their history of survival, and this connection shapes how people experience current conflicts. Children grow up hearing stories of past wars, while adults remember previous escalations, which colors their understanding of the current tensions. This creates a multi-layered psychological environment where past and present traumas intersect, influencing the way people cope with new threats.

Resilience in the Face of Ongoing Conflict

Despite the intense psychological toll, resilience remains a defining characteristic of Israeli society. Decades of living with conflict have created strong social bonds and coping mechanisms. From emergency preparedness drills to social networks that provide emotional support, Israelis have developed a remarkable ability to continue their daily lives despite the constant uncertainty.

However, as Dr. Bessel van der Kolk notes in his book The Body Keeps the Score, it’s important to recognize that resilience doesn’t mean ignoring or denying trauma. Van der Kolk’s research shows that trauma is stored in both the body and the mind, and suppressing it can lead to long-term emotional and physical consequences. Instead of trying to “overcome” trauma by pretending to be stronger than it, the path to healing involves acknowledging its presence and accepting it as part of the experience.

In Israel, where the trauma of conflict is an ongoing reality, this mindset is particularly important. Rather than denying the fear and anxiety that comes with living under threat, individuals and communities continue to learn to accept these emotions and find ways to continue living alongside them. This doesn’t mean giving in to the trauma, but rather asking it to “step aside” so that people can regain a sense of normalcy in their daily lives. By acknowledging the emotional toll of the situation, Israelis can build a healthier, more sustainable form of resilience that allows them to move forward even in the face of ongoing conflict.

Conclusion: The Emotional Reality of a Country Under Siege

With tensions escalating on the northern front and persistent threats in Gaza and Judea and Samaria, Israel continues to face the psychological toll of living under constant threat. The collective trauma of conflict is felt throughout the country, from those directly in harm’s way to those connected through shared experiences and national identity. While PTSD may be the most recognizable form of trauma, many Israelis live with chronic anxiety, anticipatory trauma, and emotional numbness—symptoms that, while less visible, are no less significant.

In these times, it’s important to recognize that trauma doesn’t have to define one’s life. By acknowledging the fear, accepting it, and then learning to live alongside it, Israelis can continue to navigate the challenges of living in a conflict zone. Collective resilience, bolstered by strong social bonds and cultural practices, remains a key part of coping with this reality. But as the conflicts continue on multiple fronts, so too must the efforts to address the emotional and psychological impacts of life under siege, ensuring that both individuals and communities have the support they need to heal and endure.

Stay Safe. Stay Vulnerable. Stay Resilient.