In the weeks following the events of October 7, 2023, a group of psychologists initiated efforts to address the heightened fear, pain, and feelings of invalidation experienced by Diaspora Jews. This initiative emerged out of a recognized crisis, marked by a profound sense of distress that diverges sharply from experiences within Israel. Many American Jews were unprepared for the resurgence of antisemitism, often viewing it as a distant concern rather than a current reality.
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Post-October 7, it became evident that negative sentiments toward Jews existed widely, even far from Israel. Conversations with individuals and focus groups, alongside limited pre-existing research, revealed that many Diaspora Jews were struggling significantly. They reported feeling alienated by friends, family, and institutions with whom they had long associations. Individuals who had previously advocated for marginalized communities often encountered silence or hostility when sharing their own experiences of pain related to antisemitism.
In response, the Jewish Community Mental Health Initiative was formed under Dr. Tara E. Liberman to provide rapid mental health support. This group, now comprising over 100 volunteers, offers free weekly support groups and conducts multiple research projects. Initial findings from their work highlighted that symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD arose from feelings of invalidation—such as denial of experiences and gaslighting—rather than solely from fear of physical violence.
Working alongside colleagues Drs. Miri Bar-Halpern and Jaclyn Wolfman, the initiative explored the concept of