Safety. It’s a word that carries weight, invoking images of security, protection, and refuge. According to the World Health Organization, safety is defined as “the condition of being protected from harm or other non-desirable outcomes.” The American Psychological Association broadens this by referring to safety as “a state in which the risks and dangers to an individual or group are minimized to allow for the free pursuit of goals and activities.” Meanwhile, Merriam-Webster simplifies it as “the condition of being safe from undergoing or causing hurt, injury, or loss.”
Much ink has been spilled on the concept of safety, analyzing its dimensions in physical, emotional, and psychological terms. But in our present day, especially after the events of October 7th, safety has taken on new, urgent meanings. It's not just a matter of physical protection, but a profound question of well-being and the collective psyche. How do we maintain a sense of safety in a world that feels increasingly unpredictable and unsafe?
The Changing Landscape of Safety
Traditionally, safety was viewed in terms of physical security—a roof over our heads, locks on our doors, and law enforcement ensuring public order. But as society evolved, so did our understanding of what it means to feel safe. Emotional and psychological safety became recognized as equally crucial components of well-being. In the workplace, schools, and communities, the emphasis shifted towards creating environments where people could express themselves without fear of retribution or harm.
However, the traumatic events of October 7th have challenged even the most resilient of us. The notion of safety has been thrown into sharp relief, revealing just how fragile it can be. The collective trauma experienced has left an indelible mark, especially on the Jewish community in Israel and abroad, forcing us to reassess what safety means in our current context.
Safety in the Post-October 7th World
During a recent event I attended, Prof. Ben Corn and Prof. Shai Davidai reflected on the concept of safety in light of recent events. Prof. Davidai shared a powerful anecdote about the days following October 7th, when he found himself unable to sit and play with his children without tearing up, haunted by the thoughts of those who had suffered, and superimposing the images of the kidnapped Bibas children on the faces of his own children. This visceral reaction speaks to the deep psychological impact of trauma on our sense of safety.
“When I say safety, I mean every type of safety,” Prof. Davidai explained. “Safety from physical harm is obviously the most important thing. But I also mean safety in the sense that when a Jewish kid wants to be publicly, openly Jewish on campus, they should feel safe, that no one is going to shout any obscenity at them, that no one is going to even look at them the wrong way.”
Prof. Davidai also shared a moment of intense fear when, after hearing about a global Day of Rage called by Hamas, he ran to his local council member’s office in New York, demanding protection for his son’s public school. The response he received from the councilwoman was chilling: “We’ve already talked with the NYPD, and that’s impossible because they are understaffed because all of the squad cars are protecting Jewish institutions.” This stark reality—where there was enough protection for Jewish institutions but not Jewish children in public schools—underscores the unsettling and complex nature of safety in our times.
The irony of safety was further highlighted when Prof. Davidai was blocked from accessing his own office at the university. The reason given was his "own" safety. In a country like the United States, where freedom and security are often taken for granted, this situation feels almost surreal. It begs the question of what safety truly means in a world where even access to one's workplace can be restricted under the guise of protection.
The Psychological Toll of Insecurity
The psychological impact of feeling unsafe cannot be overstated. Research consistently shows that prolonged exposure to fear and insecurity can lead to a host of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For children, the effects can be particularly devastating, as their sense of safety is closely tied to the stability of their environment.
Prof. Corn highlighted this when he said, “Safety is something we talk about here in Israel. In America, we’ll speak about safety on the roads, emotional safety, safe sex. But safety as a concept, as a bedrock, didn't get into the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.” His words remind us that safety, as a foundational element of well-being, has often been taken for granted until it is threatened.
The rupture of this foundation has left many feeling adrift. The sense of security that once allowed us to pursue our goals and dreams has been replaced by a pervasive anxiety about the future. This is not just an individual experience but a collective one, with entire communities feeling the weight of uncertainty.
Restoring a Sense of Safety
So, how do we restore a sense of safety in a world that feels increasingly unsafe? It begins with acknowledging the fear and uncertainty that many are experiencing and creating spaces where these feelings can be expressed and addressed. This might involve community dialogues, mental health support, and initiatives that rebuild trust in our institutions and each other.
Moreover, it requires a commitment to ensuring that safety is not just a physical condition but an emotional and psychological one as well. This means standing up against hate and intolerance, fostering environments of inclusion and respect, and providing support to those who feel marginalized or threatened.
Prof. Davidai’s reflections on safety offer a roadmap for this journey: “[Safety] is about feeling secure in who we are and in our ability to live our lives without fear. It’s about creating a world where everyone feels that they belong.”
Embracing a New Understanding of Safety
In the wake of recent events, understanding of safety has deepened and evolved. It’s no longer just about locks and alarms, but about feeling secure in our identities and our communities. It’s about knowing that we can express who we are without fear, and that our loved ones can move through the world with confidence.
As I reflect on the insights shared by Prof. Ben Corn and Prof. Shai Davidai, I find myself grappling with what safety means for me and those around me. It's clear that restoring a sense of safety isn’t just about rebuilding what was lost, but about nurturing a deeper resilience and finding ways to live meaningfully, even when the world feels uncertain.
This journey isn’t easy, but it’s one I’m committed to taking—step by step, moment by moment—finding strength in small acts of hope and connection. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that safety, in all its forms, is worth striving for, not just for ourselves, but for the generations to come.