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Volume 3, Spring 2002 - If Not Now e-journal


This has been a challenging year for those of us caring for aging survivors of the Holocaust. The events of September 11 and the impact of terrorism on the American public has brought a heightened awareness around the world of the impact of terrorism in general. The increase of suicide bombers and the conflicts in Israel have brought the concept of living in a war zone to dizzying and frightening new levels. These are difficult times for those who cherish world peace everywhere. It has been a challenging and traumatic year for those individuals who are still coping with the memory of genocide and the Holocaust. There have also been repercussions for families of survivors who were raised on stories of random acts of senseless violence, and are now witnessing it first hand.

Throughout these sad and difficult times, we still hear of remarkable stories of resilience, courage and solidarity coming to light on a regular basis. Families still celebrate births, marriages and mark special occasions. Survivors of the Holocaust continue to age and grapple with their memories… a task evenMore complex when it is weighted down by current events. Those of us who work with and for them continue to marvel at their ability to move forward.

This edition is rich in its perspectives by professionals, family members, academics, and artists. It is very exciting to have the fields of nursing, medicine and social work represented, enriched by the insights of literature, research and poetry. I am sure our contributors will join me in dedicating this issue to our continued efforts in both coping with the effects of trauma and the efforts to work towards a peace that will make these efforts obsolete.

Paula David,
Editor; If Not Now
Coordinator, Holocaust
Resource Project
Baycrest, Toronto
pdavid@baycrest.org