Shaw Traumatoaction

February 07, 2025 at 10:49 AM EST

Originally Posted On: https://www.keshershalom.com/blog/shaw-traumatoaction

Malka Shaw’s Journey: From Trauma to Action—The Birth of Kesher Shalom Projects

“In a world where propaganda shapes perception and trauma fractures identity, we must reclaim our narratives, ground ourselves in truth, and shield ourselves from manipulation.” – Malka Shaw

For over 25 years, Malka Shaw, LCSW, has worked at the intersection of trauma, resilience, and identity. After 9/11, she supported survivors and first responders, deepening her expertise in large-scale trauma. Since then, she has maintained a private practice and provided clinical debriefings for critical incidents. The world rallied around New York with unwavering support in those dark days. But after October 7th, the world went silent. That silence quickly gave way to fingers pointing at Jews, an inversion of reality that left Jewish communities reeling. It was a moment when the world felt upside down—less secure, and more hostile—for Jews everywhere.

Days after October 7th, Malka and two other therapists, in a WhatsApp chat, planned what they thought would be a one-time Zoom session. The overwhelming demand turned it into something much bigger—providing crucial support for Jewish communities and mental health professionals amid trauma and disinformation.

Out of necessity and in a whirlwind, Kesher Shalom Projects was born. It wasn’t just about responding to one crisis; it became a movement to provide education, resilience training, and community support in a world that was rapidly becoming more hostile toward Jews.

With a strong clinical background and deep Jewish education, Malka integrates psychological expertise with Jewish ideology and values to build communal resilience. Since then, she has trained over 3,500 mental health professionals on the impact of antisemitism and the necessity of Jewish cultural competence in trauma-informed care. Recognizing the power of misinformation, she has also begun teaching courses on propaganda and macro-gaslighting, helping professionals and communities understand how false narratives take hold and how to push back with clarity.

Her work highlights mental health professionals’ critical role in trauma recovery and the fight against hate and propaganda. She exposes how antisemitism fractures Jewish identity and weakens rational discourse, leaving individuals vulnerable to manipulation and division. Her writing, workshops, and professional insights explore many of these themes she shares through LinkedIn and Instagram.

Her approach to healing is rooted in clinical expertise and lived experience. For decades, Malka has worked with her clients and spoken publicly about transforming trauma. But this work—this moment—is also about her own transformation. This is Malka turning pain into purpose, embodying the Jewish value of tikkun olam—repairing the world.

She developed the GUARD system, a framework designed specifically for the Jewish community to work through active trauma. Drawing from multiple clinical orientations, it provides a structured path toward resilience by integrating Gratitude, Understanding, Action, Regulation, and Dedication. Meanwhile, THE BRIDGE system reduces cognitive dissonance while maintaining respect and empathy—an essential tool in countering ideological manipulation and fostering meaningful dialogue.

Malka leads a team of highly qualified trauma therapists at Kesher Shalom Projects, dedicated to fostering healing, resilience, and solidarity through education and workshops that equip individuals and institutions with essential psychological tools.

Due to her work with Kesher Shalom Projects, Malka has become a sought-after speaker for training institutions, advocacy groups, and professional organizations. She has been at the forefront of reframing how mental health professionals approach antisemitism, ensuring that Jewish trauma is recognized and understood within clinical settings. Her ability to translate complex psychological mechanisms into actionable strategies has reinforced the importance of integrating mental health expertise into efforts to combat misinformation and extremism.

At the core of Malka’s work is a devotion to service, truth, and healing. With the rise of misinformation and ideological warfare, she is a crucial voice in the fight for clarity, resilience, and the preservation of fundamental human dignity.

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Shaw Traumatoaction

Malka Shaw’s Journey: From Trauma to Action—The Birth of Kesher Shalom Projects

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