"Why did I survive when they didn't?" This question haunts many survivors of October 7. It is both irrational and deeply human. Mental Health First Aid Israel addresses this phenomenon, known as survivor's guilt.
Guilt can manifest in many ways: compulsive review of decisions made during the attack, self-blame for perceived failures, or an inability to feel joy even in safe moments. It may also morph into depression or self-destructive behavior.
MHFA Israel teaches that guilt is not a verdict—it's a symptom. It signals that the mind is struggling to process trauma. Rather than arguing against the guilt, volunteers are trained to acknowledge it: "It makes sense that you feel this way. It's part of how your mind is trying to cope."
Healing begins with the recognition that survival is not betrayal. Living, and living well, can be a tribute to those who didn't.
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