Children of Holocaust Survivors can suffer “secondary trauma”

TORONTO, ON – More than 300 adults who share a special legacy as children of Holocaust Survivors attended a unique conference at Baycrest Centre on Sunday, Nov. 9.

While the next generation were not directly exposed to the Nazi atrocities of their parents’ generation, there is growing evidence that offspring can be deeply affected by horrible events that happened to parents and other relatives during World War II. It’s known as “secondary traumatization”.

“As these children approach middle age, this is a life stage where they are carefully examining their feelings and issues related to their connection to the Holocaust,” says Paula David, a senior social worker at Baycrest and one of the organizers of Survivor Families: From Strength to Strength.

Whether these children were raised in a “home of silence” where parents never talked about their experiences in the Holocaust, or in a home where parents told their painful stories over and over again, either scenario can inadvertently result in passed-on trauma.

Judging by the tremendous turnout at the conference, the second generation is earnestly searching for information and resources that will help them better understand their parents’ suffering and how this may have affected their own upbringing, personal relationships and perspective on life.

Eva Dojc, a second generation Survivor, opened the conference with a powerful statement: “We weren’t supposed to be born.”

“Each of us is unique, but we share one commonality – we have inherited a mixed bag of burdens and blessings,” said Dojc.

Dr. Anna Baranowsky, a Master Traumatologist and clinical psychologist, presented on the topic “Our Parents’ Trauma and Its Impact on Us”. Some of the warning signs that may indicate secondary traumatization include frequently re-experiencing traumatic memories that a parent has shared, becoming withdrawn, or feeling anxious.

“It’s about understanding that even when you are strong, you may have some vulnerable places,” Dr. Baranowsky told the audience. “Coming to this conference today and sharing compassionately with each other took courage and is stepping towards strength. There was something about your parents that helped them survive. That strength is in you too.”

Susan Jackson added a lighter moment to the conference by sharing her humorous and autobiographical perspective on being Jewish. “We eat and we celebrate,” said Jackson, currently with the UJA Federation of Greater Toronto, and one of Canada’s most experienced outreach and community development professionals.

“That’s what we should be looking at, the simchas in life. The celebrations, the dinners, help us regain who we are – and, most importantly, we’re creating positive memories for our children!”

The one-day conference included panel presentations by local leaders, small workshops facilitated by Baycrest social workers, and a range of stimulating and topical issues. The conference planning committee included co-chairs Eva Dojc and Margie Levitt, Paula David, Bernie Farber, Susan Jackson and Joe Gottdenker. Gottdenker was just a baby when a Polish couple hid him in their home during the Holocaust. Betty Swierc, the granddaughter of the Polish couple, flew in from the United States to make a special presentation at the conference on the “legacy of a rescuer family”.

Baycrest support group
Baycrest leads a support group for second generation children of Holocaust Survivors. For more information, contact Paula David at Baycrest’s Social Work Department, 416-785-2500, ext. 2271.