Israel Skipped Collective Grief After October 7th, Researchers Say

Three years after the October 7th massacre, Israeli society may have skipped a crucial stage of collective mourning, according to a study titled "Disturbed Mourning" by three Israeli researchers. The article argues that instead of processing grief, the nation immediately transitioned into a phase of intense activity and action, from the initial shock and concern for hostages to celebrating their return and focusing on military achievements.

The author draws a parallel to the biblical narrative of Abraham mourning Sarah, noting that typically, mourning (crying) precedes eulogizing (speaking in praise). However, in the context of war and ongoing threats, the priority shifted to action and survival, exemplified by Galit Waldman, mother of Ariel, who stated in an interview with Ilana Dayan that "right now, we need to win." This approach, while perhaps necessary for immediate survival, has left a void in collective emotional processing.

The article suggests this avoidance of grief is reflected in public discourse and popular culture, particularly in songs that became national anthems. While acknowledging songs that expressed sorrow, it highlights the preference for energetic, anger-fueled, or forward-looking music over more somber reflections, contrasting it with the music that emerged after the Yom Kippur War.

Even as the immediate intensity of the conflict may have subsided in media coverage, the article asserts that the war's impact continues, and the nation still needs to confront its grief. It calls for a shift from eulogizing to mourning, emphasizing that crying is not a privilege but a necessary, deliberate act for societal healing. The author concludes by urging leaders to acknowledge the pain and failures before focusing on achievements, drawing a parallel to the biblical Israelites mourning Moses before entering the Promised Land, a period of collective sorrow that preceded their new beginning.