Lingering impact of transgenerational trauma

Fatimah Saeed

Palestine, historically celebrated for its olives and hospitality, now bears the enduring shadows of transgenerational trauma due to persistent conflict. This trauma has left indelible psychological marks, evident through elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that transcends generations.

The burden of these traumas disproportionately affects children, with over half in Gaza already grappling with PTSD even before recent conflicts. The transmission of trauma across generations manifests in collective grief, loss, and anger, deeply shaping both individual mental health and societal cohesion. Despite showcasing remarkable resilience, the persistent cycle of trauma underscores the imperative need for substantial changes addressing the root causes of this deep-seated issue.
Once hailed for its olives and renowned hospitality, Palestine has tragically become a canvas of enduring conflict, leaving profound scars on its people and land.

To comprehend the profound impact of transgenerational trauma in Palestine, delving into the historical context shaping the region’s tumultuous journey is crucial.
At the onset of the 20th century, Palestine was predominantly inhabited by an Arab population coexisting with a smaller Jewish community. The pivotal Balfour Declaration of 1917 marked a turning point, articulating British support for establishing a “National Home for the Jewish People” in Palestine. This declaration catalyzed increased Jewish immigration, intensifying tensions between the indigenous Arab populace and the newcomers.

The United Nations’ partition proposal in 1947 resulted in the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, triggering the mass displacement of approximately 700,000 Palestinians who became refugees in their own homeland. Subsequent years witnessed genocidal acts, conflicts, recurrent displacements, and military occupations, perpetuating a cycle of instability and insecurity plaguing the region.
Gaza stands as a poignant example of this enduring struggle. Its inhabitants suffer not only the direct brunt of deadly conflicts, such as recent onslaughts, but also chronic trauma stemming from a longstanding occupation. Harsh realities like home seizures, oppressive policing, extrajudicial killings, and arbitrary detentions inflict psychological wounds on the population. The illegal blockade on Gaza exacerbates economic deprivation, widespread unemployment, and poverty, further compounding the distress.

The toll of this turmoil materializes as concrete mental health challenges. In Gaza, PTSD rates soar alarmingly high, with a significant portion of the adult population experiencing disrupted sleep, perpetual vigilance, flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbing. However, labeling this trauma as merely “post-traumatic” seems inadequate as the trauma endures, giving rise to what might be more aptly termed as “Present-Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

Children bear the heaviest burden under these circumstances. Research in 2006 among Gaza’s children aged 10 to 18 revealed that nearly every child in Palestine likely experienced at least three traumatic events, with 41% suffering from PTSD. By 2020, studies indicated that over half of Gaza’s children were already grappling with PTSD, highlighting the transgenerational transmission of trauma, as children internalize the experiences of their elders, particularly through behavioral patterns and emotional responses.

This impact transcends individual psychological symptoms, extending to a collective sense of loss, grief, and anger, shaping not only individual mental health but the well-being of the entire community. In the face of these overwhelming adversities, Palestinians exhibit remarkable resilience. The shadows of trauma cast over Palestine seep beyond the psychological realm, affecting social relationships, community structures, and the political landscape, adding layers of complexity to an already deep-rooted issue.

As the world bears witness to the ongoing struggles of the Palestinian people, it becomes imperative to acknowledge the extremely painful impact of transgenerational trauma. Despite enduring decades of conflict, displacement, and hardship, Palestinians have displayed remarkable resilience, preserving their cultural identity and fostering a sense of community. Their endurance and adaptation amidst adversity resonate as a strength that transcends immediate struggles. Beyond rhetorical speeches and diplomatic endeavors, addressing the mental health needs of this resilient population emerges as a crucial step toward healing the festering wounds across generations in a land once celebrated for its olives and hospitality.