This war is unprecedented and devastating — and its impact reverberates across the Middle East. And the world.
As the situation continues to develop, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia will mobilize in solidarity and community. Here, you’ll find information on events, access to emotional support, and a list of resources that can meet the needs of our community.
Please check back often. We continue to monitor the situation and will update this page as new information becomes available in the days and weeks ahead.
Take Action
It’s time advocate for the people of Israel and the Jewish people at home and worldwide. See actionable steps for Israel and to combat antisemitism by clicking here.
Show Solidarity
Philly Stands With Israel Fund The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia is mobilizing a Philly Stands With Israel Fund, an emergency response campaign to provide immediate relief to the People and State of Israel in response to the attacks launched by Hamas early morning on Saturday, October 7. You can make a gift to this fund by clicking here.
Want to do a B’nai Mitzvah project, special fundraising project or honor someone in support of Israel during this crisis? Visit jewishphilly.org/special-projects.
Wear a blue ribbon to remember the hostages taken by Hamas terrorists in Israel, as a symbol of hope for their safe return and to support their families. To learn more, click here.
Show your support for Israel by sending a message below. Your message of love, hope and care will be sent out to the families living and soldiers stationed in the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s partnership communities of Sdot Negev and Netivot, which border Gaza and are subjected to an onslaught of terror. Send a message by clicking here.
Additionally, as a separate contribution, if you know someone who has been impacted by the crisis and would like to share their story via a short video message (1-3 minutes), please email PhillyStandsWithIsrael@jewishphilly.org.
In recent months, the Jewish community community has experienced significant challenges and changes. By taking just a few minutes to complete the Israeli American Council’s survey, you will help to better understand the community’s collective mindset and needs.
Please take the survey and consider sharing it with friends, family, and your community. Together, we can ensure that the voices of Jewish and Israeli Americans are heard far and wide.
Listed below are volunteer opportunities in Israel we have been made aware of. These volunteer opportunities are being provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of any of the opportunities or recommendations by Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia endorsing participation. It is the responsibility of the individual interested in volunteering to perform their due diligence by carefully reviewing the volunteer activity or activities of the listed organizations as well the various risks and requirements associated with each volunteer activity.
Adopt-A-Safta (Adopt-A-Grandmother) Foreign volunteers, with access to a vehicle, deliver Shabbat meals to isolated seniors on Friday mornings. Many of the recipients are Holocaust survivors in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. To register click here.
Citizen’s Kitchen Citrus & Salt in Tel Aviv paused its usual cooking workshops and launched Citizen’s Kitchen to provide 500 daily fresh meals for Israeli soldiers and displaced families. To learn more and register, email citrus.salt@gmail.com or click here.
Grilling for Israel Grilling for IDF works to bring joy and fresh food to soldiers and displaced families through on-location grilling. To learn more, click here.
Hineni Nechama Participants will help prepare meals, readings to go with meals, serve customers and clean the store. To learn more and register, click here.
Jerusalem Green Relief The JGF promotes environmental, social, and economic sustainability in and around Jerusalem through the support of grassroots community initiatives, working with Jerusalem’s diverse communities, and reaching out to lovers of Jerusalem around the world. Volunteers will collect and redistribute rescued produce to those who are displaced. To learn more and register, click here.
Latet Gayil Latet was established to reduce poverty, mobilize Israeli civil society and lead change in national priorities. Join in helping distribute food boxes for the elderly. To register, click here.
Meals For Milium Families Meals For Milium Families is proud to help support Soldiers’ families who need an extra hand throughout this challenging time by providing meals on Mondays and Wednesdays. To learn more and register, click here.
Ohr Meir & Bracha Participants will assemble and pack hundreds of baskets of food to be distributed in time for Shabbat. The baskets contain chicken, challah, fruit/vegetables and all that is needed to celebrate Shabbat. To register, click here.
Our People Our People is distributing thousands of food boxes and cards to help families put food on their table. Volunteers will package sandwiches and challah for soldiers. To learn more and register, click here.
Pantry Packers of Jerusalem Pantry Packers of Jerusalem ordinarily provides Meals on Wheels to 37,000 families every month and also runs soup kitchens. Now, with thousands of refugee families from the south sheltering in Jerusalem, the city asked Pantry Packers to commit to providing 6,000 meals, three times a day. To register, click here.
Smorgasboard Volunteer to weigh, bag and label beef jerky for IDF soldiers. To learn more and register, click here.
Areyvut Areyvut means “responsibility” – to each other, to our communities, to the world. They offer programs, services, and resources that infuse these core Jewish values into all stages of the lifecycle, across the entire spectrum of affiliation and observance, and in partnership with the full range of communal institutions. There are ongoing programs available for preteens. To learn more and register, click here.
Beinechem Uveinehem Beinechem Uveinehem has a variety of projects for volunteers including assessing individual needs, translating and interpreting, providing transportation, education or sending donations. To learn more and register, click here.
Birthright Israel – Onward Volunteer Program Birthright alumni can spend two weeks volunteering in food rescue operations as well as sorting, packing and distributing goods for civil and military personnel. Birthright is offering free airport transfers as well as health insurance and accommodations in Tel Aviv with safe rooms. This opportunity is for ages 18-40 for two weeks. There is a non-refundable $50 registration fee and a $250 security deposit. To learn more and register, click here.
Hotels Hosting Evacuees Volunteers will contact various hotels hosting evacuees to assist with their current needs. To learn more and register, click here.
JNF Day Trips Participants will either spend time with evacuees or work on farms picking vegetables and other crops. JNF day trips take place every Wednesday. To learn more and register, click here.
JNF Volunteer Missions Participants will be housed in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and spend 4-6 hours per day working in agriculture, with displaced families or assisting with logistical duties at an IDF base. This 5 day opportunity is for ages 18 and older. The cost is $2,000 per person. To learn more and register, click here.
JN Future Volunteer to Israel Mission December 24-28 Participants will be housed in Jerusalem or Tel Aviv and spend 4-6 hours per day working in agriculture, with displaced families, or assisting with logistical duties at an IDF base. This opportunity is for ages 22-40. The cost is $1,500 per person. To learn more and register, click here.
Israel Outdoors In response to the October 7th attacks, Israelis of all backgrounds united around a collective volunteering effort in support of the displaced border communities and the security services. In this moment of need, we invite you to rally your support for the people of Israel, in Israel. The “Onward Volunteer Program” is funded by Birthright Israel for travelers age 18-40 – regardless of prior Israel program experience. To learn more and register, click here.
Lev Echad Volunteers will help hostage families. To learn more and register, click here.
Masa Israel Journey Volunteer Program A new six-week volunteer program, designed in response to the ongoing conflict. Participants may choose food packaging, tutoring, agricultural work, assisting displaced families or contributing to rehabilitation efforts in southern and northern Israel. This 6 week opportunity is for ages 18-40. To learn more and register, click here.
One Family Volunteers will provide a range of services to victims of terror, from cooking and baking to visiting injured people in the hospital and more, as well as administrative support services such as social media, photography and answering phones. To learn more and register, click here.
Tachlit Tachlit operates several projects of kindness across Israel including visiting patients in various hospitals, packing food baskets and transporting patients from their homes to various hospitals. To learn more and register, click here.
Emergency Volunteers Project (EVP) (EVP) is staffing two projects in addition to its professional firefighters initiative: The EVP Mass-Feeding Unit, working with Israel’s Home Front Command, trains volunteers to prepare fresh, healthy meals for IDF unMiliumits and needy populations using a fleet of mobile kitchens. The EVP Make A Soldier Smile project has volunteers cooking meals at popup field kitchens on army bases. To learn more and register, click here.
Mission Hinenu (for License medical personnel) Helping understaffed hospitals by processing paperwork for licensed medical personnel (physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, therapists, psychologists, pharmacists). To learn more and register, click here.
Nefesh B’Nefesh Nurse & Paramedic volunteers This initiative aims to ease the strain on hospitals and clinics during this time of war, specifically calling on nurses & paramedics from North America, the UK, South Africa, Australia, and the EU. To learn more and register, click here.
Nefesh B’Nefesh Physician Volunteers This initiative aims to ease the strain on hospitals and clinics during this time of war, specifically calling on doctors with valid licenses from North America, the UK, South Africa, Australia and the EU. To learn more and register, click here.
NATAN Mobile Dental Clinics NATAN is expanding the activities of our mobile dental clinics in Israel. We provide basic treatments such as fillings, extractions, treatment of gum problems and preventative dentistry. We do not perform complex procedures or dental implants. This activity will take place throughout Israel (currently active in Haifa and Be’er Sheva). To learn more and register, click here.
NATAN Field Operations NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief is an all-volunteer, non-governmental organization. NATAN is based in Israel and operates around the globe. For the past 18 years, NATAN volunteers have been providing medical and psycho-social aid to the survivors of natural disasters, as well as human-made disasters – notably refugees. NATAN prides itself on the professionalism and skill of its volunteers. To learn more and register, click here.
Second Line: Mental Health Professionals for Israel Second Line is currently seeking international volunteers who are available to either join their first cohort and travel to Israel for a period of six weeks to three months or to work remotely via Zoom with Israelis in Israel and abroad. They are seeking volunteers who are licensed professionals with relevant experience including:
Masters in clinical psychology, psychotherapy, social work, or related field
Previous training in trauma techniques is preferred
We also seek volunteers trained in alternative techniques / expressive arts therapy (e.g., art therapy, children’s therapy, etc.) where we may consider non-priority language speakers
Native Hebrew speakers are the top priority, with second priority given to native Arabic, French, Russian, Ukrainian, Amharic and Spanish speakers
Avocado Picking Eran Volunteer for this ongoing opportunity near Beit Shemesh to pick avocados. To register, click here.
Hamal Nationwide Participants can sign up to volunteer for agricultural opportunities throughout Israel. To register, click here.
Israel Food Rescue Mission This joint effort is a response to the war-related manpower crisis on Israeli farms. Volunteers may sign up to volunteer. To learn more and register, click here.
Leket Israel In addition to its usual volunteer opportunities at its Logistics Center in Gan Haim (near Kfar Saba) and fields in Rishon Lezion, Leket Israel is matching volunteers with farmers in need of assistance in harvesting their produce. To learn more and register, click here.
Leket Israel Tel Aviv Only Support the Israeli economy by helping affected agricultural communities in the South. To learn more and register, click here.
SunDo SunDo is a platform that connects farmers and volunteers for significant help and experiences using the SunDo application, anyone can find the right activity, at the right time, and in the right place for them. Download the SunDo app and connect to the Israeli agricultural industry’s social community. To learn more and register, click here.
Hamal Jerusalem Volunteers will help pack supplies for IDF soldiers. To learn more and register, click here.
Mission Hinenu (for non-medical personnel) Helping understaffed hospitals by processing paperwork for non-medical personnel (patient transport, feeding and other tasks) able to come to Israel to volunteer. To learn more and register, click here.
Startup Reserves for Israel Tech workers to give support, guidance and staffing to companies in Israel’s high-tech sector. To learn more and register, click here.
Thank You Israeli Soldiers Project Volunteers will help pack supplies for IDF soldiers. To learn more and register, click here.
Sar-El Israel All of our program options offer prospective volunteers an opportunity to live and work beside Israeli soldiers and gain an insider view of Israel. You will work alongside soldiers, base employees, and other volunteers on an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) base, performing non-combat civilian support duties such as packing medical supplies, repairing machinery and equipment; packing and checking all kinds of equipment as well as cleaning, painting, and maintaining the base. SAR-EL offers the IDF logistical support throughout Israel through the efforts of our volunteers. This opportunity is for ages 17 and older. There is a 450 Shekel registration fee. To learn more and register, click here.
Volunteers for Israel (Adults) An insider’s view of Israel. You will work alongside soldiers, base employees, and other volunteers on an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) base, performing non-combat civilian support duties such as packing medical supplies; repairing machinery and equipment; building fortifications; and painting and maintaining the base. This opportunity is for ages 29 and older. To learn more and register, click here.
Volunteers for Israel (Young Adults) An insider’s view of Israel. You will work alongside soldiers, base employees, and other volunteers on an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) base, performing non-combat civilian support duties such as packing medical supplies; repairing machinery and equipment; building fortifications; and painting and maintaining the base. This opportunity is for ages 18-28. There is a $100 registration fee. To learn more and register, click here.
Hayovel – Volunteer in Israel Experience Israel’s biblical heartland through faith-based volunteering. Our programs are centered around volunteering for small Jewish farmers in Judea & Samaria. There are five program options, Heartland Experience, Grape Harvest, Tree Planting, Pruning, and Special Ops. This 2-3 week opportunity ranges from $1,200-$2,750 per person. To learn more and register, click here.
Authentic Israel Tap into this national volunteering drive – for the people of Israel, in the land of Israel while the need is greatest. Together we will volunteer 4-6 hours per day in areas of need such as: communities in need (packaging food/clothing and providing support for displaced communities), troops (volunteering on IDF bases – away from conflict – in support of soldiers), and agriculture (harvesting crops for food banks that would otherwise be wasted). This opportunity is for ages 40 and older. The cost is $1,950 for a shared room and $2,450 for a single room. To learn more and register, click here.
Gil Travel Trips to Israel Two specially curated trips to Israel which will have both regular touring and volunteer components. The cost is $2,585 for a double room and $3,339 for a single room. To learn more and register, click here.
Kenes Tours This mission choice is best suited for synagogue groups, Jewish organizational groups, Jewish Federation groups, or family/friend groups that want to craft a custom volunteer/solidarity experience. You’ll work with Kenes Tours to select dates, choose volunteer opportunities, coordinate meetings, and plan community visits that meet your group’s unique objectives. To learn more, click here.
ViaSabra Looking for a way to experience what’s happening in Israel and contribute to its rebuilding first-hand?
On our mission you will:
Hear updates from experts in the media and IDF;
Listen to the stories of those most impacted – families of hostages and those evacuated from Israel’s south and north;
Contribute to the rebuilding of Israel through a range of logistical, agricultural, and other social impact volunteer activities;
Join expert tour guides to visit sites in southern Israel related to the war, security, and first responders;
Meet with soldiers to hear their stories and share your encouragement for their efforts;
Witness the incredible resilience of the Israeli spirit!
Agriculture Opportunities Volunteer for farming-type jobs and agricultural opportunities from various farmers in Modi’in and Israel. To join the Modi’in WhatsApp group, click here. To join the Israel WhatsApp group click here.
Assist IDF Families Volunteer to babysit or help with homework for IDF families with small kids in Israel. To join the WhatsApp group, click here.
Beef Up Our Boys Volunteer to make and deliver beef jerky for soldiers. To join the Facebook group, click here.
Chabad Katamon Volunteer in Jerusalem to make sandwiches for soldiers. To learn more and follow on Facebook, click here.
Daily Agricultural Work Volunteer for daily agricultural opportunities in Israel. To join the Facebook group, click here.
English Volunteers Daily opportunities for English-speaking volunteers in Jerusalem. To join the WhatsApp group, click here.
Hotel Brigade Volunteer in Jerusalem to help displaced families who are in hotels. To join the WhatsApp group, click here.
Jerusalem Helping Others Join this group for various opportunities to help others in Jerusalem. To join the Facebook group, click here.
Kerem House Daily opportunities to help others in Tel Aviv. To join the Facebook group, click here.
Meal Preparation Volunteer at restaurants in Tel Aviv that prepare daily meals for IDF soldiers. To join the WhatsApp group, click here.
Netzarim Brigade Volunteers will make kosher meals, assist with agricultural work and provide room and board. To join the WhatsApp group, click here.
Osim Sameach David Volunteer in Jerusalem to visit the injured and children in local hospitals. To learn more and follow on Facebook, click here.
Ride to Farms in the South Volunteer to find rides to the South of Israel for agricultural days. To join the WhatsApp group, click here.
Sword of Iron Daily opportunities to help others in Israel. To join the Facebook group, click here.
Tzizit Tying Volunteer in Jerusalem to tie tzizit for IDF soldiers. To join the WhatsApp group, click here.
Wedgwood Volunteers Volunteer to pack toiletries in Jerusalem. To join the WhatsApp group, click here.
The Diller Teen Fellowsis a year-long teen leadership program for grades 10 and 11. Diller Teen Fellows explores Jewish identity and connections to Israel and engages in meaningful Tikkun Olam/social justice opportunities alongside Jewish teens from around Philly.
Eligibility: Teens who are in grades 10 or 11(recruiting current teens from grades 9 and 10). Program Length/commitment: This is a 12 month program, with bi-monthly Sunday gatherings. Travel: This program includes local travel in the Philadelphia region and travel to Israel
A three week summer experience in Israel Global Diller Congress where they will meet over 650 Diller Teens from across six continents.
Host Israeli teens from our partnership in the city of Herzliya, Israel for 10 days here in Philadelphia.
Three weekend retreats/Shabbatons.
The Diller Teen Fellows 2024-2025 application is open. To learn more and apply, click here.
Community Events
Every Sunday to Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
The Jewish People Policy Institute (JPPI): Daily webinars sponsored by Jewish Federations and the Jewish Agency are offered. A rotating team of analysts of Israeli military affairs, the US-Israel relationship, Israel’s political system, and the country’s diverse society will speak. No registration is required. Join here.
How to Have Difficult Conversations: Israel | Palestine Wednesdays, March 13 – April
Join Fuel for Truth and The Chevra for Hafla-styled workshop where you learn how to have difficult conversations productively with someone who disagrees with you. To register, click here.
Murdered and Fallen Wall Installation Sunday, May 12
Help commemorate the soldiers who gave their lives in Israel’s wars and ensure those who were murdered in the massacre on October 7 will be added to the traditional Yom HaZikaron events.
Web Series with David Horovitz, Times of Israel Monday, May 13 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Virtual
The Jewish Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council is pleased to welcome back David Horovitz, Founding Editor of the online newspaper The Times of Israel for a series of online briefings about the latest events happening in Israel and the Middle East. To register, click here.
Resources
A new documentary, “Screams Before Silence,” about the sexual violence Hamas committed on October 7. In the documentary, Sheryl Sanberg interviews released hostages, first responders, and experts — all of whom saw with their own eyes systematic sexual violence.
The amount of information against Israel can feel overwhelming. However, it has been proven that much of the most inflammatory content on the Internet is not human-generated and does not necessarily represent public opinion. Right now, disinformation about Israel and Hamas is spreading on social media. These are tactics of the war against Israel’s legitimacy, are methods of dehumanizing the Jewish people, and are part of broader efforts to sow divisions in our society.
As the situation progresses and our emotions run high, it can be tempting to immediately comment on and/or share what we see online. But now, more than ever, it’s important for us to take the time to carefully assess what we’re reading and respond thoughtfully.
The Jewish Federation is a partner on the #StandUptoJewishHate national campaign to raise awareness of the rise in antisemitism and to bring community members together in voicing their solidarity with the Jewish people.
Background Since Israel was attacked on the morning of October 7, social media has been flooded with requests for donations and crowd-sourcing campaigns for equipment for IDF reserve soldiers. These have ranged from basic items like socks, to advanced items such as Kevlar protective vests.
Is there a shortage of equipment?
Despite numerous anecdotal reports of shortages, the IDF Spokesperson said that “There is no shortage of equipment. There is no shortage of food. It will all arrive, even if some items will take a little longer. Restraint is required.”
The IDF released the following statement
Since the beginning of the war, large-scale efforts by the IDF’s Technological and Logistical Directorate have led to the recruitment of over 360,000 reserve soldiers who are deployed in all different sectors around Israel. This is the largest draft in decades, which is leading to temporary delays in supply shipments, which are being dealt with presently.
All of the necessary equipment is available. We are familiar with the rising demands of all of our forces and are addressing them. The equipment provided for the recruited forces is in addition to the pre-existing stocks in the units.
The equipment is being delivered to units according to a previous determined priority chain in accordance with the various missions and their requirements.
The support that was both offered and delivered to the IDF has been overwhelmingly appreciated. The IDF, however, possesses all the necessary equipment for the operation.
As of this morning, the Technology and Logistics Directorate has been operating a call center attending to issues regarding food, equipment and logistics and is available 24/7 for members of the IDF via WhatsApp to the following number: +972-52-6156256
The IDF has announced that it has already successfully:
Provided hundreds of heavy weaponry units to IDF units.
Supplied 24,000 tons of infrastructure materials (asphalt, gravel, and earthworks).
Employed over 60 construction companies to assist the IDF.
Established 5 factories for the production of protective equipment.
Rented hundreds of generators.
Prepared approximately 1,500 buses for transporting IDF soldiers, focused mainly on reserve forces.
Delivered over 1,000 carriers, semi-trailers, trucks, and around 1,200 rental vehicles to combat forces.
Distributed a wide variety of equipment including baby food to the residents of the city of Sderot.
So why are there so many complaints? The IDF has called up 360,000 reservists (not all of whom are combat soldiers). It takes time to deliver equipment to such large numbers of people. Additionally, given the high motivation of Israelis to serve at this critical moment, more are showing up than have even been called back to duty. In some cases, this patriotic response is inadvertently exacerbating the temporary shortages.
Could we even provide the supposedly missing items? The IDF is reported to have prohibited Israeli manufacturers from selling military items most in demand such as Kevlar vests without approval. These are not currently available in large numbers in the general marketplace and some of the crowdfunding campaigns are now struggling to purchase the equipment they had sought. Nobody can guarantee that these online campaigns are vetted or that equipment being purchased meets military standards.
What can people do for soldiers?
Israeli civilians have always brought food to soldiers waiting to be deployed before major operations. This is not because the army does not provide food, but rather a home-cooked meal, chocolates or other snacks, will always be more desirable. At least at this stage, the reports are that there are long lines of Israelis bringing food to the reservists.
The IDF requests that all donations be channeled through accredited organizations like the FIDF or the Association for Israel’s Soldiers which provide for the long-term welfare of soldiers, particularly those from vulnerable populations, including lone soldiers.
In addition, the Ministry of Defense, the IDF and the Association for the Soldier are opening a hotline for parties seeking to donate personal protective equipment in large quantities in order to respond effectively to the vast outpouring of support and desire to help pouring in from around the world.
Call center details: Email: Trumot_migun@mod.gov.il Phone: +972-73-3538888 In Israel donations to support IDF soldiers can be channeled via the Association for the Soldier in Israel at *3399.
How else can we help?
While Israeli soldiers may not need supplies, there are hundreds of thousands of Israeli civilians who are in real need, who have suffered due to the conflict, including the many victims and their families. Consider a contribution to the Jewish Federation’s emergency campaign to help those in real need.
Report antisemitic threats, incidents, or suspicious activity related to Jewish organizations, facilities, or community members in your area through the Secure Community Network Incident Report Form.
Updated: October 16, 2023
This resource provides critical information for family members and friends in Israel who may be in need of assistance. Please note many of these numbers and apps can only be accessed from within Israel.
Hotlines for Families of Victims or Missing Persons
Hotline for receiving information regarding hostages: 1229
Hotline for missing persons (Home Front Command and Israel Police) 105
National psychological care center for families of hostages and missing persons: *6754 or 076.817.7860
Hotline for missing soldiers: 1111 (extension 5 and then 4)
IDF Casualties Office: 03.675.5000
ATAL Equipment Center (Technology and Logistics Division) to report shortages in equipment and food: 052.615.6256 (WhatsApp only)
National Insurance Institute emergency hotline line for immediate assistance to injured and bereaved families: 02-6269999 (operates Sun-Thu 8 am – 8 pm, Fri 8 am – 2 pm)
Eran emotional first aid: *1201 Hebrew, Arabic (extension 2), English (extension 10), Russian (extension 3), Soldiers and their families (extension 5), Holocaust survivors (extension 4).
Eran, together with the Ministry of Aliya, opened an anonyms hotline for olim: *2994
Israel Ministry of Education’s emotional help line: *6552 (ext. 5)
Havinenu psychological assistance and support hotline for religious and ultra-Orthodox: *3251
Useful Resources
English-speaking hotline for parents of Lone Soldiers: 1.201.605.7440
Betipulnet (Hebrew only) portal for psychological services with information and links to professionals
BetterHelp mental health platform providing online mental health services directly to clients, up to 6 months of therapy at no cost for individuals who have been impacted by the war in Israel.
Jordan River Village, a respite village for children with life-limiting conditions, is extending a hand to evacuees. Families are invited to fill out their details in this form: https://forms.gle/JAuTUyTUF435D4ew8 and will be contacted to coordinate arrival.
Ministry of Aliyah and Integration’s information call center: *2994 or 03-973.3333
Hotline for inquiries from parties wishing to donate personal protective equipment 073.353.8888 Trumot_migun@mod.gov.il
When students meet with their parents virtually, or come home for the holidays they may still be carrying a great deal of anxiety, stress, fear or even trauma about the current war in Israel and Gaza and the increasing incidents of antisemitism on college campuses. These feelings of being overwhelmed, can interfere with their daily academic and social engagements on campus. Here are some helpful tips to help you talk with your college age children:
Regulate/Check In With Yourself
Check in with yourself before having any conversation. Try not to have a discussion when you are feeling overly stressed/anxious. Your own reactions, although understandable, can heighten your child’s tension.
If you are stressed, try grounding exercises that commonly work for you (i.e. deep breathing, meditation, a walk outside). This will allow you to co-regulate and to use your calm presence to calm them.
Self compassion. Find a support person for yourself to help you through these stressful times.
Listen
Actively listen with full attention. Put away your phone, turn off the television. Do not offer solutions or try to solve problems unless asked.
Allow students to voice their feelings. Voicing feelings can reduce emotional distress.
No unsolicited advice. This can indicate that you are learning from them about their new reality. This will strengthen open communication from their viewpoint, not yours.
No judgment is called for despite your own feelings and reactions. It conveys respect and may promote openness.
Empathize
Do not talk too much.
More listening! Be guided by them to achieve a balance. Make space for their experience. Remember that students are in the center of the crisis.
Avoid talking about how their crisis is impacting you. Do not ask them to carry your burden and aim for all adults in the family to follow this guide.
Validate
Remind students that their feelings are a normal reaction to an extreme situation and that they are not alone. It may be helpful to remind students that they are supported by a very strong Jewish community. This community has historically faced adversities with strength, fortitude and resilience and will continue to do so.
Agency
Encourage thinking about next steps. This can create a sense of agency in a situation where they may feel helpless.
Help them build support on their campus when they return to school. ( i.e. Jewish friends/allies, University Life Office, Hillel, Chabad). Ask them what helps their friends.
The war in Israel is unprecedented and devastating — and its impact is reverberating across the Middle East, and the world. See an Emergency Briefing with Colonel (Res.) Grisha Yakubovich on Operation Swords of Iron, Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas and the current situation on the ground. To see the full recording, click here.
Watch this Zoom webinar with former Minister Izhar Shay, father of Yaron Shay, who fell in a heroci battle on Oct. 7. Despite his personal tragedy, he is propelled by determination to inspire action and making Israel a more remarkable place.
The Jewish Federations of North America polled 3,777 Americans between October 29-November 1, both Jewish and from the general public to understand the sentiment and needs of American Adults, Jewish and the general public, so that Federations and partners can better serve their local communities. To see the results, click here.
Poll Highlights:
92% of people who have donated indicate they will donate again in the next few months
58% those who have not donated say they will in the next few months
Americans view Hamas, Iran, and other terrorist organizations responsible for the current war.
Nearly 90% of Jewish respondents report the war affecting them emotionally
60% of the Jewish community is personally connected to someone who has been hurt, killed or displaced
On November 14, 2023, over 290,000 people joined in our nation’s capital, along with 250,000 livestream viewers – making the March for Israel the largest Jewish gathering in history.
This march was organized by Jewish Federations and the Conference of Presidents.
