Understanding the pains experienced by evacuees during war

Summary: By integrating social work and criminology, the current study examines the pains experienced by evacuees from northern and southern Israel who have been displaced from their homes and are residing in hotels during the October 7th Israel-Hamas war. Drawing on thematic content analysis of 20 semi-structured in-depth interviews with evacuees from six hotels in Israel, the study builds on and extends the criminological concept of “the pains of imprisonment,” revealing the transformative experience of what is depicted as “Incarceresort,” where hotels embody multidimensional wartime pains. Findings: The qualitative analysis identified four major themes of evacuees’ pains akin to the deprivations experienced in prisons. These themes highlight the liminal space between life within and beyond the “golden cage” of hotels, emphasizing the wider impact of the pains of imprisonment in an environment that could be seen as the opposite of a prison. This extension underscores that even in seemingly ideal living conditions, these psychological and emotional effects persist, challenging our understanding of freedom in luxurious environments during emergencies. Applications: The research underscores the need to reassess support and services for evacuees in hotels during wartime. Awareness of the prolonged effects and similarities to prisoners’ experiences is crucial for policymakers, social workers, and other stakeholders committed to assisting the many evacuees who remain displaced for extended periods. Employing strategies that improve individual resources and encourage community involvement can effectively reduce distress and promote better outcomes for coping during wartime.