Summary
Two hundred and sixty young terror victims were evaluated in the Emergency Room (ER) of a general hospital immediately after several terrorist attacks in Jerusalem. The developmental perspective is presented through descriptions of the psychological presentation in different ages. Less than 20% of the victims presented with a pathological acute stress reaction. Detailed examples of the clinical reactions are included. Issues of the intrapsychic difficulties stemming from the traumatic experience are raised. Finally, the role of the parent in the formulation and intensity of the child's psychological reaction is discussed.