Trauma, Identity, and Historical Narratives

This chapter features a deep discussion on the complexities of trauma within Jewish and Palestinian contexts, exploring how such experiences shape individual and collective identities. The conversation highlights historical narratives, focusing on lesser-known tragedies faced by Jews, and challenges the simplistic views of Jewish victimization. By emphasizing the importance of understanding historical parallels and confronting uncomfortable truths, the speakers aim to foster connections amidst a legacy of suffering.

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In this SAND Community Gathering (January 2025), journalist Naomi Klein and trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté explored the complex intersection of collective trauma, political power, and memory in a discussion moderated by Cecilie Surasky.

Drawing from Naomi’s recent analysis of how trauma has been weaponized in current conflicts, and Gabor’s deep understanding of trauma’s psychological impacts, their conversation examined how media narratives and political rhetoric weaponize fear and trauma to gain public support for military and political crimes. The discussion addressed the troubling speed at which the Oct 7 Jewish trauma is now converted into a spectacle through virtual reality experiences, museum exhibitions, and immersive memorials, while questioning who gets to control these narratives and to what end. Together, they explored alternatives for remembering that might lead toward healing rather than perpetuating cycles of violence.

We hear from several Community Gathering audience members with their questions in the second half of the episode.

Gabor Maté, M.D. is a specialist on trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. Gabor is also the creator of a psychotherapeutic approach, Compassionate Inquiry, now studied by thousands of therapists, physicians, counselors, and others in over 80 countries.

Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author. She is a columnist with The Guardian. In 2018 she was named the inaugural Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair at Rutgers University and is now Honorary Professor of Media and Climate at Rutgers. In September 2021 she joined the University of British Columbia as UBC Professor of Climate Justice (tenured) and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice.

Cecilie Surasky is the Director of Communications and Narrative at the Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI), where she leads an incredible team focused on integrating strategic communications and narrative strategies. With a background in Religious Studies and Semiotics, Cecilie views all narratives as sacred, and believes that leaders, for better or worse, often serve as modern-day high priests. As former deputy director of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) she led impactful campaigns aimed at building a co-liberation movement and garnering support for Palestinian human rights.

Topics

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:45 Panel Introduction and Moderator

01:31 Exploring Trauma and Its Impact

02:44 Weaponizing Trauma in Conflict

06:14 Historical Context and Jewish Identity

10:54 Challenging Narratives and Identities

15:09 The Role of Trauma in Shaping Perspectives

30:35 The Impact of Trauma on Palestinians

32:17 Structures of Deliberate Traumatization

37:48 Healing and Moving Forward

41:50 Debunking Historical Myths