The hierarchy of bereavement in Israel - war victims, terror victims and suicide survivors

Because of frequent wars, mandatory military service, and terror attacks, the Israeli population is intensely exposed to death. During its 60 years of existence the state has created national symbols to commemorate the victims of war and terror. Compensation and rehabilitation legislation is in place and state ceremonies are performed. The massive public discussion surrounding death under national circumstances has created a "hierarchy of bereavement" in Israel. At the top of this hierarchy are those who died at war. Suicide is at the bottom of the list. This chapter describes the Israeli "hierarchy of bereavement" through examining social attitudes in Israeli society towards various means of death, including perception by the general public and by suicide survivors.