Healing Ink: Tattoos as a Path to Recovery for Terror Victims

In December 2000, Omer Golan, then a 20-year-old soldier, survived a suicide bombing at the Mehola Junction in the West Bank. The attack left him critically injured, with shrapnel embedded in his body and severe burns that destroyed much of a tattoo he had. Years later, Golan, now living in Brooklyn, participated in a tattoo event organized by Healing Ink, an advocacy group that provides free tattoos to victims of terrorism and their families. This event exemplifies a unique approach to coping with the long-lasting trauma inflicted by violence in the Middle East.

Times of Israel

Healing Ink, founded in 2016 as part of the nonprofit Artists 4 Israel, aims to help survivors reclaim their narratives through tattoos. Craig Dershowitz, the head of Healing Ink, emphasizes that tattoos allow survivors to assert control over their bodies and identities, which have been altered by trauma. “When you’ve had some scar put on you, it’s been inflicted by someone outside of you,” Dershowitz explained. The organization holds annual events in Israel and the United States, providing a supportive environment where survivors can connect with each other and collaborate with artists on tattoo designs.

Times of Israel

During a recent event in New York, participants shared their stories and experiences while getting tattooed. The atmosphere was described as upbeat, with many finding the physical pain of tattooing to be cathartic. Dershowitz noted that this process can help individuals externalize internal pain, facilitating emotional release. The event also included family members of Edan Alexander, a former hostage taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. Participants designed tattoos to commemorate their experiences, with some choosing symbols of renewal and remembrance.

Times of Israel

Shahar Malka, who moved to New York from Israel, got a tattoo to honor his cousin Dolev, who was killed in Gaza. Other participants, including survivors of the Supernova massacre, chose designs that reflected their personal journeys and losses. For instance, former hostage Mia Schem tattooed the phrase “We will dance again” alongside the date of the attack. These tattoos serve not only as memorials but also as affirmations of resilience and healing.

Times of Israel

Dershowitz expressed his satisfaction in witnessing the positive impact of Healing Ink on participants. “To be on the side of seeing it help them gives me this overwhelming joy,” he stated. Maayan Aviv, director of the American Friends of Natal, highlighted the importance of reclaiming one’s body and memories through tattoos, noting that while tattoos may not be for everyone, they can significantly benefit those who find solace in them.

Times of Israel

For survivors like Omer Golan, tattoos represent a step in a long recovery journey. Golan, who has transitioned from music to art due to his injuries, is also launching an AI foundation called MyWhatIf to help others recover from trauma. Healing Ink continues to provide a platform for healing, allowing victims of terrorism to transform their scars into symbols of strength and resilience.

Times of Israel