How to Talk to Your Kids About What’s Happening in Israel
FROM FEDERATION & PJ LIBRARY:
Processing the horrific attack on Israel is difficult.
Explaining it to a child can feel borderline impossible. It’s helpful to:
1. Take the cues from your child
2. Model calm
3. Be reassuring
4. Help children express their feelings
5. Be developmentally appropriate
If you are struggling, as many of us are, to navigate conversations about events in Israel with your children or grandchildren, links and resources are available on the PJ Library website, including:
· Click here for general information about Israel
· Click here to understand the map of Israel
· Click here on how to talk to your children about scary situations
· Click here for tools to talk to your children about antisemitism
· Click here for resources for students grades 4 and up
Federation’s Solidarity Gathering Recording:
Interested in connecting with our Israeli Emissary, Ofek? Please email ofek@shalomct.org.
Are you an Israeli in our community looking to connect with other Israelis? Please email israelisinct@hotmail.com and they will connect you with other Israelis living in Fairfield County.
Schoke Jewish Family Service provides trained social workers to hold space for your thoughts, talk through your feelings, cope with emotional responses to trauma, express grief and fear, and find comfort in community. Individual appointments are available by request and sessions with Hebrew speakers are available by appointment.
FEDERATION RESOURCES
Local Volunteer Opportunities
- If you would like to visit with a survivor or help arrange a gathering of second- and third-generation survivors, email Shelley at HRC@shalomct.org.
- If you would like to assist with youth programs that help our tots, teens, and college-age kids, email Lisa@shalomct.org.
- If you would like to volunteer at the Federation office (and we need you!), email Elise@shalomct.org.
- If you want to help organize Blue Ribbons for Israel, email Sophie@shalomct.org.
- If you want to share your thoughts, stories, photos or vetted information, email Cindy@shalomct.org.
- If you would like to help organize community gatherings and events, or need assistance with supporting Israel financially, you can email me at Carin@shalomct.org.
Click this link to watch the Interfaith Community Vigil
Lawn signs, bumper stickers, pins, and other materials are available for you to show your solidarity for Israel proudly. Materials showing your support for Israel are available for pick-up at our Federation offices at 4200 Park Avenue, Suite 300 in Bridgeport, CT 06604. Email info@shalomct.org to arrange a pick-up.
Social media is an important tool for sharing your support. To learn the latest updates on the war and share your support on social media, our Israeli Emissary, Ofek, suggests following:
1. @standwithus
2. @idf
4. @bbyoinsider (for teens)
- Check in with friends and family that are living in Israel. A simple text or phone call means the world to them during this difficult time!
- Write letters of support to IDF soldiers that are fighting in the war.
What Can You Do?
As a public act of solidarity with the 199 hostages abducted by Hamas’ during its barbaric raid into Israel on Oct. 7, the Jewish Federations of North America and 50 partner organizations are launching a global "Blue Ribbons for Israel" campaign, asking people across the world to wear their support for these innocent victims on their shirts and display them on their social media platforms.
An incredible array of organizations have partnered to spread the word, including: Jewish National Fund, AIPAC, Hillel International, Combat Antisemitism Movement, Foundation for Jewish Camp, NJHSA, Orthodox Union, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, National Black Empowerment Council, Prizmah, Israel Policy Forum, JCC Association of North America, and National Council of Jewish Women.
Here in Fairfield County, we are gearing up for our community-wide effort, where children, teens, families and synagogues will tie Blue Ribbons for Israel around trees in the community.
Contact sophie@shalomct.org to volunteer with this effort. #BlueRibbonsforIsrael
Providing Shelter for Israeli Families in Danger
Spiritual Leader & Director of Education
Assistant Director of Education/Youth Coordinator