Orly Sarid

This study is grounded in the existential framework of Viktor Frankl, particularly his theory emphasizing the pursuit of meaning in life as a fundamental human drive, even in the face of adversity and catastrophic circumstances. The research examines the relationship between psychological coping mechanisms—specifically regarding caring for others: problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and mindfulness—and their role in fostering a sense of meaning in life. The research is based on primary sources, including autobiographies, memoirs, personal letters, testimonies, and archival documents. These materials are drawn from the life writings of fourteen educators, spanning three key periods: the Holocaust, the postwar transition and immigration to Israel, and the first decade after Israel’s establishment (1948 to mid-1960s). The findings indicate that over the course of these three time periods, problem solving was the primary strategy for aiding others, with less reliance on emotion-focused strategies. Mindfulness, especially in the context of helping others, was mostly reported during the Holocaust. As hypothesized, these coping strategies were linked to finding meaning in life. We identified two key conclusions. Professionally, the study revealed that educators employed coping mechanisms to aid others, going beyond simple empathy. Regarding the nature of the events during and after the Holocaust, these coping strategies played a crucial role in enabling individuals to find meaning in their lived experiences.