Question: What are the survival strategies of German-born Israelis living in an Isreali home for the aged? What are their strengths? What makes it difficult for them to participate in OT? Methods: Three German-Jewish Isrealis told about their emigration from Germany and how they mastered integration in a new homeland. Interviews based on the Kielhofner Model of Occupational Performance History Interviews (OPHI), Identification of core statements by narrative analysis according to S. Bell. Results: The participants were able to maintain their independence, self-determination and cultural life. The need to keep control over their own lives, however, led to problems in admitting their need for help and put them in danger of becoming isolated. Analysis of the interviews provided starting points for competent OT work which took into account this group's cultural biography and was transferable to other aged trauma survivors.

Pt-traumatic stress syndrome narrative analysis Israel cultural competency German-Jewish Holocaust survivors Home for the aged

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