Shoah memory shapes Israeli political culture, expert says

Political psychologist Daniel Bar-Tal suggests that the memory of the Shoah remains a fundamental factor in the development of Israeli politics and national identity. Through his research on the concept of ‘chosen trauma’, Bar-Tal explains that nations may select a historical event to serve as a central component of their collective identity rather than seeking to heal it.

In Israel, the interpretation of ‘Never Again’ differs from European perspectives. While in countries like Germany and Austria the phrase often serves as a warning against nationalism and racism, in Israel it has fostered the conviction that Jewish people must be able to defend themselves through military strength.

Bar-Tal, a former professor at Tel Aviv University, notes that this has promoted a political culture where security and military capabilities often take precedence over other social or political objectives. This perspective is frequently reactivated during times of existential threat or societal crisis, influencing how the state perceives current conflicts.