Summary of Updated Version of Extreme Trauma  March 18, 2025 GS

Foreword (Moshe Kaplan, MD & Wendy Singer)

The foreword sets the stage for the book’s themes: the horrific reality of October 7, the moral imperative of truth-telling, and the extraordinary resilience of the Jewish people. It emphasizes the Be A Mensch Foundation’s mission of moral clarity and the need to expose both the atrocities and the unwavering human potential that followed.

Introduction (Moshe Kaplan, MD)

The introduction establishes the book’s purpose: to document the unprecedented horrors of the October 7 attack while highlighting the strength, resilience, and unity it inspired. The term “Hamasticide” (apocalyptic barbarism) is introduced to describe the acts of terror committed.

Chapter One: Human Potential—Unleashing Greatness

This chapter explores the heights of human courage and moral strength in the face of darkness.

• What Is Greatness? (Abraham J. Twerski, MD) – Defines human greatness as the ability to rise above base instincts and pursue higher values like self-improvement, kindness, and ethical living.
• Acts of Human Kindness (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Tells stories of ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of selflessness during the October 7 attack.
• This Man Rescued 120 People on Oct. 7 (Sarah Pachter, Aish.com) – Chronicles Oz Davidian’s heroic rescue of over 120 festival attendees, despite the risks to his own life.

   

Chapter Two: Antisemitism and Israel

This chapter delves into the deep-rooted lies and propaganda fueling modern antisemitism, especially in relation to Israel.

• The BIG Lie (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Traces the history of antisemitic propaganda, from Nazi Germany to modern-day academia and media manipulation.
• The Delusional Version of Events: Unmasking the October 7th Propaganda (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Exposes false narratives surrounding the Hamas massacre, including denial of rape, inflated casualty numbers, and media distortions.
• The BIG Truths: Israel’s Sense of Moral Responsibility (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Contrasts Hamas’s brutality with Israel’s ethical conduct, humanitarian efforts, and military moral code.

   

Chapter Three: The Silent Cry—Hamasticide (Apocalyptic Barbarism)

This chapter exposes the barbarism of Hamas and the world’s hypocritical silence in the face of their atrocities.

• October Rain (Eden Golan) – Lyrics of a haunting song reflecting on the tragedy.
• Civilization vs. Barbarism: An Irreconcilable Clash? (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Argues that October 7 reveals the stark divide between civilization and extremist barbarism.
• Setting Things Straight—Hamas Are Not “Militants,” They’re Terrorists! (Nils A. Haug) – Dissects the media’s reluctance to call Hamas what they truly are: terrorists.
• Inside Hamas: How the Terrorist Organization Uses Guerrilla Tactics (Darcie Grunblatt, Jerusalem Post) – Details Hamas’s use of human shields, civilian infrastructure, and psychological warfare.

   

Chapter Four: Psychopathology of Sexual Abuse

This chapter uncovers the systematic sexual violence committed by Hamas and the global silence surrounding these war crimes.

• The Women’s Movement Has a Double Standard (Meredith Jacobs) – Critiques feminist organizations for failing to condemn sexual violence against Israeli women.
• The Horrors of Genocidal Rape: Understanding the Psychopathology Behind It (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Analyzes how Hamas weaponizes sexual violence as a tool of terror.
• Silent Cry: Sexual Crimes in the October 7 War (Karmit Klar-Chalamish, PhD) – A research-based overview of documented sexual atrocities during the attack.

   

Chapter Five: Resilience

This chapter shifts to the incredible resilience of the Jewish people and their ability to emerge stronger from adversity.

• Everything Is a Miracle (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Explores Jewish resilience as a historical and spiritual force.
• Unyielding Resilience—The Jewish Spirit from Ancient Trials to Modern Heroism (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Traces the Jewish people’s survival through history, linking it to October 7.
• National Resilience—The Key to Winning the War (Miriam Adelson, MD) – Argues that national unity is Israel’s strongest defense.
• Building Resilience and Standing Against Hate (Carol Ann Schwartz) – Highlights global Jewish efforts to counteract antisemitism and rebuild in the wake of tragedy.
• Rising from Ruins: The Journey of the Israel Trauma Coalition – Chronicles how Israel’s mental health community is responding to the trauma of war.

   

Chapter Six: Unity—The Saving Grace

This final chapter explores the newfound unity that emerged in the wake of the October 7 attack.

• A Message of Hope: Reclaiming Our Stories (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Encourages reclaiming the Jewish narrative from those who distort history.
• Israeli Comedian Announces That He Will Keep the Sabbath for the First Time (Vered Weiss, World Israel News) – A personal story of religious awakening sparked by the tragedy.
• Unity in Adversity: President Herzog’s Call to Action (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Emphasizes the power of Jewish unity in times of crisis.
• Stronger Together—One Nation, One Heart (Moshe Kaplan, MD) – Concludes with a rallying cry for the Jewish people to remain united in the face of adversity.

   

Appendices

• Appendix A: Author Biographies – Short bios of contributors, including notable figures like Miriam Adelson, Noa Tishby, and Abraham J. Twerski.
• Appendix B: The Be A Mensch Foundation – Overview of the foundation’s mission and projects.
• Appendix C: Sources – Citations and references for research-based content in the book.

   

Summary of Themes

• Truth vs. Propaganda – Exposes media distortions, antisemitic lies, and Hamas’s psychological warfare.
• Brutality vs. Morality – Contrasts the barbarism of Hamas with Israel’s ethical and humanitarian values.
• Trauma vs. Resilience – Documents the horrors of October 7 while highlighting the strength and courage of survivors.
• Division vs. Unity – Examines the world’s response to antisemitism while calling for Jewish unity as the key to overcoming adversity.