Identity Disorders of Second-Generation Holocaust Survivors

Healthy child development is outlined, with particular attention to its crucial element of identity formation. Second-generation Holocaust survivors are saddled with a mission of “carrying the torch” which is inconsistent with normal identity formation. Over and above the normative milestones in acquiring personal identity, children of this generation had particular difficulties establishing a sense of self distinct from family and religious identity. This threatened ego integrity portends potential identity dissonance, disruption of the developmental process, and problems in the adult lives of second-generation survivors. The author’s personal narrative is featured to highlight identity challenges inherent in the life of a “memorial candle.”