Survey: 73% of Holocaust survivors have experienced mental deterioration since October 7

A survey conducted among Holocaust survivors in preparation for Holocaust Day found, among other things, that 73% of them have experienced a deterioration in their mental state since October 7, and most of them are anxious about the fate of the State of Israel.

The association ‘Aviv for Holocaust Survivors’, which has been working for the past 17 years to ensure the rights of Holocaust survivors, conducted the survey against the background of the events of October 7 and the upcoming Holocaust Day.

From the findings of the telephone survey conducted among a representative sample of Holocaust survivors in Israel (501 respondents) by the ‘Mindpool’ Institute headed by Prof. Yitzhak Ka“C, It turns out that most of the Holocaust survivors (73%) experience a deterioration in their mental state Against the background of the events of October 7, that brought them back to the difficult memories of the Holocaust.

The results of the survey also show that the war that began on October 7 had a negative impact on the health of the majority of Holocaust survivors (64%) and their mental state (73%), And about half of them (51%) reported that since the beginning of the war they need more assistance.

Most of the Holocaust survivors (64%) Today, more anxious for the existence of the State of Israel. 18% of them testified that they had suffered financially since the outbreak of the war. Additionally, 61% of those surveyed have a family member serving in the army.

The Holocaust survivors who responded to the survey differ on the question of whether the events of October 7 can be called a “Holocaust.” About half of them (51%) We pointed out that the events of October 7 can be called a holocaust, and nearly half of them (45%) answered that they were against.

Director General of the Aviv Association for Holocaust Survivors, Orli Sion: “The findings of the survey indicate a worsening of the health and mental condition of the Holocaust survivors against the background of the events of October 7. We are at the beginning of a challenging security period and the threat of a multi-arena war, so it is our duty to pay special attention to the dear Holocaust survivors, whose numbers are also decreasing year by year , and to provide an immediate response to their physical protection, resilience and health. Since October 7, under an ongoing war, Holocaust survivors return daily to childhood traumas and suffer from anxiety and existential concerns.. I call on the Israeli government and Deputy Minister Uri Makleb to immediately advance a decision A government for a national program that will respond to the special and immediate needs of Holocaust survivors in Israel.”