Minds Under Siege Part 2
A Community Gathering with Dr. Gabor Maté and Naomi Klein, facilitated by Cecilie Surasky
In part 2 of this gathering, journalist Naomi Klein and trauma expert Dr. Gabor Maté explored the intersections of collective trauma, political power, and memory. Leveraging Naomi’s analysis of how Jewish trauma has been weaponized and Gabor’s deep understanding of trauma’s psychological impact, we examined how media narratives and political rhetoric has misused fear and trauma to gain public support for Israel’s military and political crimes.
This conversation continued to explore alternatives ways of remembering that might lead toward healing rather than perpetuating cycles of violence. The majority of the time was dedicated to answering questions from participants.
Watch Part 1 of this conversation.
Proceeds from this event were raised for Project Hope in Gaza
Presenters
Gabor Maté
Gabor Maté, M.D. is a specialist on trauma, addiction, stress and childhood development. After 20 years of family practice and palliative care experience, Dr. Maté worked for over a decade in Vancouver’s Downtown East Side with patients challenged by drug addiction and mental illness. For his groundbreaking medical work and writing he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country’s highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown, Vancouver. Gabor is also the creator of a psychotherapeutic approach, Compassionate Inquiry, now studied by thousands of therapists, physicians, counselors, and others in over 80 countries.
Naomi Klein
Naomi Klein is an award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author. She is a columnist with The Guardian. In 2018 she was named the inaugural Gloria Steinem Endowed Chair at Rutgers University and is now Honorary Professor of Media and Climate at Rutgers. In September 2021 she joined the University of British Columbia as UBC Professor of Climate Justice (tenured) and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice.
Cecilie Surasky
Cecilie Surasky is the Director of Communications and Narrative at the Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI), where she leads an incredible team focused on integrating strategic communications and narrative strategies. With a background in Religious Studies and Semiotics, Cecilie views all narratives as sacred, and believes that leaders, for better or worse, often serve as modern-day high priests. As former deputy director of Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) she led impactful campaigns aimed at building a co-liberation movement and garnering support for Palestinian human rights.