Maternal trauma influences infant and adult health outcomes and may impact future generations through epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation (DNAm). Research in humans on the intergenerational epigenetic transmission of trauma effects is limited. In this study, we assessed DNAm signatures of war-related violence by comparing germline, prenatal, and direct exposures to violence across three generations of Syrian refugees. We compared families in which a pregnant grandmother versus a pregnant mother was exposed to violence and included a control group with no exposure to war.

Background

Antisemitism is an ancient form of discrimination that is increasing and intensifying today. Jews have experienced collective trauma as a result of the persecution that they have experienced. This is exemplified by the events of the Holocaust, which caused almost the total annihilation of the Jewish people. Trauma experienced by Holocaust survivors can impact their children and grandchildren. The events of October 7, 2023, act as trauma reminders for many of these survivors, their descendants, and all Jews around the world.

Objective: Collective ambiguous loss can arise in communities facing the unresolved absence or presence of loved ones, marked by uncertainty and confusion. This study examines the impact of such loss on the general public in Israel after 251 individuals were taken hostage by Hamas on October 7 2023.