I recently traveled to Israel—on the very last flight before war with Iran officially broke out. I went as part of a “Trauma Mission” organized by the American Jewish Medical Association. As a Jewish psychologist still grappling with the trauma of October 7, I felt deeply called to go—not only to help others heal, but to begin healing myself.
The interview presents a sobering look at how rising antisemitism—amplified by ideological movements and campus activism—is psychologically harming Jewish students and distorting therapy practices. In response, leaders like Shaw, Zmood, and Steinwurtzel are advancing trauma-informed, culturally competent care models to protect Jewish identity and restore psychological safety.
