Finding Meaning in Dark Times: Viktor Frankl Exhibition Opens in Tel Aviv

The Jerusalem Post is proud to bring the profound wisdom of Viktor Frankl to Israel through the "L'Chaim" exhibition. In these dark times, as our nation grapples with the immense pain of war, the loss of life, and the ongoing struggle for our hostages' return, Frankl's message of finding meaning in suffering is not just relevant—it is essential.

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The one thing you cannot take away from me is my freedom to choose how I will respond to what you do to me.

Inspired by a visit to the Viktor Frankl Museum in Vienna, our own Janet Belleli Goodvach recognized the urgent need for such a space in Israel. She understood that amidst the anguish, the funerals, and the displacement, Israelis carry a unique burden, compounded by historical trauma. Frankl's core tenet—that we cannot control what happens to us, but we can always choose our response—offers a powerful antidote to despair.

This exhibition is more than just a display of artifacts; it is a sanctuary for the soul. It offers a chance for Israelis to connect with the teachings of a man who survived the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust and emerged with a philosophy that empowers individuals to find inner strength and maintain hope. It echoes the resilience demonstrated by figures like Natan Sharansky, who found freedom in his spirit even during years of Soviet imprisonment.

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I remember friends saying they couldn’t function. One told me she didn’t have the energy to cook dinner; she was glued to the news, unable to stop crying.

"L'Chaim" is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Jewish people and our capacity to not only survive but to thrive, even in the face of profound adversity. It is a reminder that in our response to suffering lies our growth and our freedom, and a call to continue loving, working, and strengthening our people and our homeland.

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To keep loving, keep working, keep strengthening Israel and our people.