How does a wartime situation influence perceptions and memory of third-generation Holocaust survivors?*

This longitudinal study examines the attitudes held by third generation Holocaust survivors in Israel towards the Holocaust, focusing on the impact of the Iron Swords war between Israel and Hamas, which began on 7 October 2023. Returning to participants who completed a survey during a period of normalcy in August 2022, we inquired about their connection to the Holocaust and their perspective on the events of October 7. The current questions were also included in the previous study. The 670 participants were categorised into three groups using the Subjective Holocaust Influence Level (SHIL), a subjective measure based on individuals’ self perception of the Holocaust’s impact on themselves. The data offers an opportunity to assess changes in the transmitted trauma of third generation descendants following a recent traumatic event. Comparing the more recent responses to those from the prewar survey reveals that some participants changed their SHIL, in ways that are related to shifts in their emotions or how they perceive the historical meaning of their lives after the events of October 7. Most participants showed an increased willingness to preserve the memory of the Holocaust following these events. The findings are discussed in light of theoretical frameworks on transgenerational trauma and memory, highlighting their broader sociocultural implications.