In the Sept. 13 op-ed, “Portland’s divestment vote has negative health effects,” the author failed to discuss the profound psychological damage experienced by Palestinians currently or historically. He also distorted the local mental health impacts of Israel’s violence.

The mental health consequences of Israel’s project of genocide have been thoroughly documented. In a region where nearly 54% of children had PTSD before Oct. 7, 2023, the Guardian now reports that 80% of children in Gaza struggle with symptoms of PTSD, with 60% of children engaging in acts of self-harm.

As a Jewish psychotherapist, I understand trauma and antisemitism. However, in my practice, Israel’s genocide in Gaza is a recurring topic. In 10 years, I’ve never seen a political issue arise so persistently. Clients feel helpless and overwhelmed by Gaza’s horrors, struggling to maintain faith in humanity and in their government. Jewish clients feel alienated from Zionist family members, experience shame over Israel’s violence, and are confused about their Jewish identity. The Zionist exploitation of antisemitism complicates Jewish self-understanding, leading to harmful internalized gaslighting.

The violence in Gaza and the West Bank is an unspeakable trauma for Palestinians. It is also collectively distressing. It is fomenting an existential reckoning that people are bringing into their therapeutic work. I hope the op-ed writer can use his training and expertise to support his clients in their distress, while also meeting the highest call of his profession, which is to invite people over the threshold of their individual suffering into deeper experiences of empathy, compassion and love for all life everywhere.

Elizabeth Kramer
Saco