Wife Details Husband's Invisible Trauma After Oct. 7 Work
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
Neama Perl described her husband Rabbi Menachem Perl's invisible psychological trauma after volunteering at the Shura camp processing bodies post-October 7. He struggles with presence and engagement, though he continues his work. Neama also experienced despair and has prioritized her own well-being through activities and support groups. She emphasizes the need to recognize psychological injuries and support both the wounded and their partners.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Menachem Perl suffers from invisible psychological trauma after volunteering at the Shura camp post-Oct. 7.
- His wife, Neama Perl, described his struggles with presence and engagement due to the trauma.
- Neama Perl also experienced a period of despair and has prioritized her own well-being.
- She highlights the need to recognize psychological injuries and support partners.
- Rabbi Perl continues his work, finding renewed strength through teaching.
Neama Perl, wife of Rabbi Menachem Perl, has spoken out about the profound psychological toll her husband has suffered following his volunteer work at the Shura camp in the aftermath of the October 7th attacks. In an interview with Dr. Chana Klein on Channel 7, she described his "invisible injury" and the family's ongoing struggle to cope.
Rabbi Perl felt compelled to help after the Hamas attack, telling his wife, "I have to do something, I have to help, I can't just sit here at home." He began volunteering at Shura, a facility where bodies and body parts were processed. Initially, the team felt a strong sense of purpose, but prolonged exposure to the horrific scenes began to take its toll. Rabbi Perl rarely spoke about what he witnessed, leaving Neama unaware of the depth of his trauma.
Even after leaving Shura and returning to his regular work teaching at the Tzomet Institute and serving as a public emissary in Mevo Horon, Rabbi Perl's condition persisted. Neama explained that the injury is not only invisible to others but also to the individual and close family. She described his difficulty in being present, listening, or engaging as he once did, noting that sometimes he needs to withdraw for twenty minutes or half an hour before apologizing and reconnecting.
Neama herself experienced a period of deep despair, particularly before Yom Kippur, feeling a profound lack of motivation. This led her to prioritize her own well-being, engaging in activities like meeting friends, attending workshops, and taking up piano lessons. She also joined a trip abroad with the "Mother for a Soul" organization, which supports mothers of the physically and psychologically wounded, finding strength in connecting with others facing similar challenges.
Despite his struggles, Rabbi Perl continues his work, though sometimes he finds it difficult to leave the house for his classes. Neama supports him, and once he begins teaching and engaging with participants' questions, he finds renewed strength. She emphasizes that psychological injury is a real injury, even if society struggles to recognize it, and that partners also need support and a space to share their pain. Neama has found hope and renewal by renovating their bedroom, seeing it as a way to pull her husband towards light and life.