JEWS WITH TATTOOS: A NEW TREND AFTER OCTOBER 7

Since October 7, an increasing number of Jews are turning to tattoos as a way to express their identity and honor their heritage. In Melbourne, Jewish tattoo artists like Brentan Wolf and Guy Shoval report a noticeable increase in clients aged 18 to 25 who are seeking tattoos with Jewish symbols such as “Am Israel Chai” (The People of Israel Live), the Star of David, and the Chai symbol (life).

Shoval, who works at Fine Line Tattoos, notes that many of his clients are women getting their first tattoos. “They choose something small but meaningful, something that gives them strength and serves as a personal symbol, like a talisman,” he says.

This new wave of interest in Jewish tattoos is seen not only in Australia but also in Israel, where tattoos have become a way of processing grief following the tragic events of October 7 and a form of healing for survivors.

 

 

FROM PROHIBITIONS TO REMEMBRANCE

The shift in attitudes towards tattoos marks a departure from traditional Jewish norms, where permanent body markings are prohibited by religious law. The taboo was further entrenched by the memories of forced tattoos on Holocaust survivors. However, many modern Jews are increasingly choosing tattoos as a way to honor their ancestors, including replicating the concentration camp numbers on their own bodies.

Brentan Wolf recalls tattooing Holocaust numbers on the descendants of those who survived, especially on great-grandchildren, as a symbol of remembrance. “It’s a way to never forget what we went through and what we could face again,” he says.

 

 

FAMILY MEMORY AND THE POWER OF SYMBOLS

Mia Fine, a 27-year-old from Melbourne, sought her grandmother’s permission before getting her tattoo. Her grandmother, a Holocaust survivor from Auschwitz, was initially against it but eventually relented, prioritizing her granddaughter’s happiness. Mia chose a design inspired by Hungary’s national flower in honor of her grandmother but was hesitant to show it to her. When she finally did, her grandmother was touched by the gesture and praised the tattoo’s beauty.

Over time, the views on tattoos within the Jewish community have evolved. Wolf recalls that his grandparents refused to let him into their house for two years after he got his first tattoo. Now, his 87-year-old grandfather discusses tattoo designs with him and shares ideas.

 

 

For many, it’s important to ensure that tattoos do not affect their eligibility for a Jewish burial. Mia Fine consulted the Chevra Kadisha, who assured her that having a tattoo would not prevent her from being buried in a Jewish cemetery. “It was heartwarming to hear that. It’s important that Jews are buried with Jews if that’s their wish, and families should be together,” she says.

A CHOICE FOR REMEMBRANCE AND IDENTITY

Following October 7, many Jews are opting for tattoos to memorialize the tragic events and honor those lost. Maya Feder, who got a tattoo of the map of Israel with a quote from a poem, explains that she wanted something closely tied to her homeland. “I wanted something close to my heart that is connected to Israel. It’s intimate,” she explains.

 

 

Despite concerns related to visible Jewish identity, many are choosing prominent tattoo placements as a statement against antisemitism. “I don’t want to hide my Jewish identity. It’s not just for me but also for the world and for my family that survived the Holocaust,” Fine shares.

Today, tattoos are becoming a symbol of personal strength and a means of expressing solidarity and remembrance for Jews worldwide.