“Between sacred and profane”: school principals leading bereaved school communities during the 2023–2025 war in Israel

Purpose This study examines the leadership of school principals in Israel during the “Swords of Iron” war (2023–2025), in light of the growing need for models to guide bereaved school communities through ongoing national trauma. Using a resilient leadership framework, it analyzes the complex dynamics between functional-managerial responsibility and moral-emotional leadership amid collective trauma. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study is based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 30 principals from Israel's State, State-Religious and Arab sectors. Data were analyzed thematically and inductively to identify action patterns, ethical dilemmas and meaning-making processes within educational leadership during a prolonged and complex national crisis. Findings The findings reveal a dynamic “Chronic Resilience” model comprising three dimensions: dual navigation between the “sacred” (mourning and memory) and the “profane” (pedagogical continuity) while constructing “emotional scaffolding” within the professional space; acting as “wounded healers” who leverage personal vulnerability as a strategic resource to build trust and shared destiny; and collective renewal shaping a “New Normal” based on shared agency. It was found that renewal in State-Religious education relied on faith, while in State education, it focused on broad and deep social, civic, and community solidarity. Originality/value The original contribution lies in conceptualizing “Chronic Resilience” as an adaptive leadership model for prolonged national trauma. The study proposes practices such as “emotional pauses” and trauma-sensitive communication that allow institutions to thrive in adversity and transform into sites of healing, meaning, hope, growth, and long-term moral and community renewal.