Echoes of the Holocaust
Shalom Robinson, M.D., Editor

Contents
Holocaust Survivors and Survivors of the Cambodian Tragedy: Similarities and Differences

Dan Savin, M.D. and Shalom Robinson, M.D.

After the Holocaust, many survivors moved to new surroundings (Israel, America, Australia, and other countries) where there were not so many constant reminders of the trauma. For most Cambodians this was not possible. The countryside, the weather, buildings, rice paddies, irrigation ditches, and former Khmer Rouge cadres serving in high government posts act as constant reminders. Where Israelis may get some sense of safety from the presence of soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces, Cambodians have little trust in their military. The continued presence of the Khmer Rouge and the survival of many of its leaders has delayed the process of mourning in Cambodian society. There has been no trial akin to that of Eichmann in Israel. Such a trial might provide an opportunity for individual Cambodians to tell their stories and aid in their process of healing.

Whereas economic conditions in Israel have improved markedly over the years, Cambodia remains one of the poorest countries in the world. Many people lack the basic necessities of food, clothing, and shelter. Among a group of adolescent and young-adult Cambodian-Americans it was found that whereas symptoms of PTSD are generally constant or diminish slightly over time, symptoms of depression are more related to recent stressors and decreased markedly as they spent more time in America. For many Cambodians still in the country, poverty is a continual stressor which is most likely a significant risk factor for depression.

During the Khmer Rouge reign, the practice of organized religion was prohibited, temples were destroyed, and monks were either killed or forced to renounce their religious oaths. One positive occurrence in Cambodia over the past few years has been the restoration of Buddhism. Many Buddhist monks have taken an active role in espousing nonviolence among Cambodians and seem to be having a positive effect (personal communication, Mr. Bob Maat, Committee for Peace and Reconciliation, Cambodia). Hopefully, the traditional practice of Buddhism in Cambodia will be able to help in stopping the cycle of violence and allowing the population to heal. The appearance of several human rights advocacy groups in Cambodia is also an encouraging sign.

Conclusion

What happened during the Holocaust was different from what happened in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. The differences largely flowed from the fact that the aims of the perpetrators were different. As for the posttraumatic psychological late effects, we have found that both Holocaust survivors and survivors of the Cambodian tragedy still suffer from PTSD symptoms, many years after the traumatic events. This is a complex form of PTSD which followed massive prolonged traumatic events. (10)

The Jewish Holocaust and the Cambodian conflict caused deep, permanent changes in both societies. Because of different conditions and background, the Jewish society has coped differently than the Cambodian society with the national trauma. [Page 7 of 7]

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