Talking about intergenerational trauma caused by the Holocaust
Dr. Irit Felsen will talk about the psychological effects of the Holocaust on survivors and their children and families. The discussion, at Congregation Beth Israel in Scotch Plains, is set for Sunday,, May 19, at 5 p.m.
Dr. Felsen, a clinical psychologist, specializes in trauma and traumatic loss. Her work has focused on the long-term effects of the Holocaust on survivors and their families, and on intergenerational transmission of unique vulnerabilities and resilience to descendants.
A daughter of two Holocaust survivors, Dr. Felsen grew up in Israel and now lives in the United States. She co-chairs the trauma work group in the NGO on mental health in consultative relationship to the United Nations and was the chair of the covid-19 APA interdisciplinary task force during the years of its operation. She is an adjunct professor at Columbia University and at Yeshiva University’s Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology.
“We are excited to invite Dr. Felsen to our community,” said Rita Geller, who is a co-chair of the Second/Third Generation Holocaust Survivors Group, which is an event sponsor. “Besides being informative for the members of our group, whose parents or grandparents survived the Holocaust, it will be very interesting for everyone else too. Intergenerational trauma is a hot topic in psychology today,.”
The Second/Third Generation Holocaust Survivors Group was created at Congregation Beth Israel but also includes participants from other area synagogues and the community. It functions as a support group where its members may share experiences. The group also plans events to educate the public about the Holocaust. For information, call (908) 889-1830.
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