How do historical experiences, collective memory and national narratives shape responses to contemporary violence? And what psychological mechanisms come into play when societies are confronted with events that challenge their sense of identity, responsibility or moral positioning?
In this lecture, psychoanalyst Iris Hefets explores the dynamics informing Jewish establishment and Israeli reactions to the current situation in Gaza, placing them in conversation with broader European and Norwegian contexts. Drawing on her previous work on Germany and the role of guilt, denial and identification in public discourse, Hefets examines how emotions, history and political culture intertwine in shaping societal responses to mass violence.
The event invites reflection and discussion about emotional, institutional and historical frameworks that influence how communities engage with questions of suffering, accountability and solidarity today.
About Iris Hefets
Iris Hefets is a member of Jewish Voice for Peace in the Middle East in Germany and works as a psychoanalyst in Berlin. She was born in Israel and left in 2002 during the Second Intifada for political reasons, as she no longer saw a positive perspective for Israel at that time. She has since written and spoken widely on the intersections of psychology, memory, and political culture.
The talk is in English and runs from 18:30–20:00, including time for questions and discussion.
This event is supported by the Directorate of Culture.
