Tokens of Trauma: The Aging Experience of Shoah Survivors in a Jewish Support Center

Kasstan, Ben

doi:10.5195/aa.2015.81

Tokens of Trauma: The Aging Experience of Shoah Survivors in a Jewish Support Center

Kasstan, Ben

Authors

Ben Kasstan

Abstract

This paper explores the traumatic memories of ageing Shoah survivors who attend a Jewish social and therapeutic support facility in London (UK). The study investigates the perceived differences in trauma within a diverse group of members who partake in the day centre. The difference in Shoah experience contextualises how survivors of ghettos and concentration camps possess a salient relationship with food, notably bread which acts as an enduring symbol of catastrophe for participants. The meanings that underlie death amongst camp survivors are evaluated, where decisions regarding the end of life stage can be interpreted as a shared experience with those who perished during the Shoah. Results exemplify how religious and cultural elements of Judaism mediate the trauma that has become thoroughly embodied for participants. survival is steeped in intersubjective acts of remembrance, offering a novel contribution to the anthropological study of genocide.

Citation

Kasstan, B. (2015). Tokens of Trauma: The Aging Experience of Shoah Survivors in a Jewish Support Center. Anthropology and Aging, 36(1), 26-44. https://doi.org/10.5195/aa.2015.81

Journal Article Type	Article
Acceptance Date	Jun 19, 2015
Publication Date	Jan 1, 2015
Deposit Date	Jun 19, 2015
Publicly Available Date	Jul 27, 2015
Journal	Anthropology and Aging
Publisher	University Library System, University of Pittsburgh
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	36
Issue	1
Pages	26-44
DOI	https://doi.org/10.5195/aa.2015.81
Keywords	Shoah, Trauma, Embodiment, Ageing, Food.