Ep. 39: Psychological Dimensions: Transgenerational Trauma and the Holocaust (Dr. Yael Danieli – UN Senior Representative, New York)

Guest: Dr. Yael Danieli (UN Senior Representative) Host: Alexandria, Mert & Efe Bio: Dr. Yael Danieli is a truly historic figure as a world-renowned clinical psychologist who has transformed the study of trauma through her pioneering work on the transgenerational impact of the Holocaust. She co-founded the Group Project for Holocaust Survivors and their Children, establishing the world’s first psychological care program for survivors, and in 2014 founded the International Center for the Study, Prevention, and Treatment of Multigenerational Legacies of Trauma. Creator of the Danieli Inventory for Multigenerational Legacies of Trauma, she has redefined research on inherited trauma across cultures. A trailblazing victimologist, Dr. Danieli has advised the UN, the International Criminal Court, all international genocide tribunals, and South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She is the only living person who has helped establish all existing victims’ rights in international law and contributed to reparative justice in some of the world’s most troubled regions. In 2021, she received the Human Rights Leadership Award from the Manhattan Borough President and the Arts4All Foundation. In this Episode: Alexandria, Efe, and Mert speak with Dr. Danieli from Berlin, 80 years after the liberation of Auschwitz. She reflects on growing up in British Mandate Palestine, witnessing the arrival of Holocaust survivors, and experiencing the early years of Israel—experiences that shaped her lifelong dedication to trauma and resilience. The conversation explores her pioneering work in psychological care, including the development of the Danieli Inventory, the International Center, and her advisory roles in international law. Core trauma concepts discussed include the “conspiracy of silence,” coping styles, and intergenerational trauma. Dr. Danieli addresses the profound psychological impact of October 7 on Jewish communities, the rise in antisemitism and deep sense of betrayal, and the situation in Gaza. She also discusses Sadat’s 1977 Knesset speech, in which he described the “psychological wall” of fear, noting that it represents 70% of the Middle East conflict. Throughout, she emphasizes reparative justice and society’s responsibility to respond to human suffering, offering listeners rare insight from a historic and authoritative voice in trauma studies and international justice. This episode was recorded July 24, 2025. Links: Dr. Yael Danieli: https://www.dryaeldanieli.com/ International Center for MultiGenerational Legacies of Trauma: https://icmglt.org/ Dr. Danieli asks the hosts to read key findings from a study she conducted for the UN Human Rights Commissioner on the “Necessary Elements of Healing after Massive Trauma.” She explains that these findings are based on extensive research across diverse post-conflict contexts, highlighting the psychological, social, and moral elements essential for recovery at the individual, societal, national, and international levels. She later emphasizes that acknowledging both Israeli and Palestinian pain requires applying these findings to both sides, holding them together, and stressing that effective healing must address the suffering of all communities involved at all levels. https://tinyurl.com/y9bra9m6 Disclaimer: Guest opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast team. Technical legal terms are explained in Episode 36 with Prof. Claus Kreß; contested histories are addressed by Prof. Gudrun Krämer in Episode 21.