Beyond Memory: The Transmission of Trauma, Identity, and Resilience in Grandchildren of Holocaust Survivors

The present study aims to investigate how third-generation Holocaust survivors (3G) articulate and experience intergenerational trauma. By conducting narrative interviews with five third-generation survivors, six main themes emerged: (1) Early Awareness and Understanding, (2) Transmission of Trauma, (3) Family Communication Patterns, (4) Identity Formation and Jewish Connection, (5) Responsibility to Preserve Memory, and (6) Contemporary Relevance. The participants communicated experiencing anxiety and protective behavioral patterns likely linked to their family history, while also developing high levels of resilience. Many reported feeling a great personal responsibility to preserve their family’s stories and experience a deep connection to their Jewish identity. Although the original research design considered multiple forms of data collection, the final study focuses exclusively on qualitative data gathered through narrative interviews. This research illustrates the ways in which trauma is transmitted across generations. The findings of this study may provide valuable information for mental health professionals working with descendants of Holocaust survivors as well as for Holocaust educators.