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This strategy uses reflection prompts to help students consider a complex or emotional topic through the lenses of head, heart, and ethics.

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We feel confident as a CCAR/ARZA/Israel Reform Rabbinic Cabinet that these resources are accurate and have minimal bias.
Program Outline for A Safe, Respectful Community Conversation
A 90-minute program lesson plan, created by Temple Sinai in Brookline MA, to be used or adapted in your synagogue-community to create a conversation of respectful speaking and listening, to allow adult community members to share their complicated and diverse set of thoughts, feelings and views with each other about the war and violence.
Resource for secular educators teaching the Holocaust: https://www.stangreensponcenter.org/combating-rising-hatred/
PODCASTS

For Heaven's Sake: Israel at War
Ezra Klein's NYTimes Podcast - a series of different episodes about Israel / Hamas war, from a variety of perspectives, with a variety of guests:
Israel from the Inside
Donniel Hartman and Yossi Klein of the Shalom Hartman Institute offer constructive discussions and debates on the Israel-Hamas War.
Israel Policy Forum Podcast
Daniel Gordis, one of the founders of Shalem College in Jerusalem, created this podcast for people to understand Israel with nuance through thoughtful analysis. Their goal is to provide interviews and content to help the listener understand the soul of Israel as events unfold and background needed to appreciate what is happening.
Perfect Jewish Parents: Israel at War
Shapes discourse and mobilizes support among American Jewish leaders and US policymakers for the realization of a viable two-state outcome. Developed by credible security experts.
The Promise Podcast
In a series of special episodes, Perfect Jewish Parents hosts Masua Sagiv and Joshua Ladon explore the core questions and values these difficult moments illuminate so that parents, caregivers, and educators can navigate complex conversations with young people and meet this important moment.
Soulful Jewish Living
An inside view of how Israel can warm your heart and make your blood boil. It's a show by a journalist, a professor and an NGO professional who live in and love Israel even though it drives them crazy, and who each week discuss the latest in Israeli politics, culture, and society.
Unpacking Israeli History
Overstressed overworked, overstimulated? Close your eyes, take a deep breath and tune in. In each episode Rabbi Josh Feigelson will guide with ancient wisdom and modern mindfulness practices to help center your soul and ease you into your week.

Go behind the scenes of Israeli history with self-confessed history nerd Noam Weissman. Each week, he offers a fresh perspective on some of the most controversial and interesting events in the country's history. If you've ever wanted to know more about what Israel is all about - from multiple angles and viewpoints - this is the podcast for you.
These profiles offer effective messaging on Israel and the current war:
SOCIAL MEDIA

Recommended Instagram profiles to follow:

https://www.instagram.com/IDF : Official Account of the Israel Defense Forces

https://www.instagram.com/standwithus : Non-Profit Israel Education Organization

https://www.instagram.com/adl_national : Official Account of the Anti-Defamation League

https://www.instagram.com/ajc.global : Official Account of the American Jewish Committee

https://www.instagram.com/israelpolicyforum : Non-Partisan Education, Advocacy and Policy Research Organization

https://www.instagram.com/telavivinstitute : Non-Profit Social Media Lab Combating Antisemitism

https://www.instagram.com/jewishunpacked : Non-Profit Educational Organization

https://www.instagram.com/hillelintl : Official Account of Hillel International - The Foundation for Jewish Life on Campus

https://www.instagram.com/henmazzig : (Hen Mazzig) Senior Fellow, TLV Institute

https://www.instagram.com/friends_of_the_idf : Official Account of Friends of the IDF (Non-Profit Supporting Lone Soldiers)

https://www.instagram.com/israelcc : Official Account of the Israel on Campus Coalition

https://www.instagram.com/jfederations : Official Account of the Jewish Federations of North America

https://www.instagram.com/birthrightisrael_foundation : Official Account of Taglit Birthright Israel Foundation

Recommended Twitter profiles to follow:

https://twitter.com/NeriZilber : (Neri Zilber) Journalist, Analyst on Middle East Politics, Fellow at Israel Policy Forum

https://twitter.com/IsraelPolicy4m :Non-Partisan Education, Advocacy and Policy Research Organization

https://twitter.com/israelwarroom : Israel War News & 24-Hour Live Updates

https://twitter.com/hillelneuer : (Hillel Neuer) Executive Director of UN Watch

https://twitter.com/avimayer : (Avi Mayer) Editor-in-Chief, Jerusalem Post

https://twitter.com/StanwdWithUs : Non-Profit Israel Education Organization

https://twitter.com/TimesofIsrael : Official Account of The Times of Israel

https://twitter.com/Jerusalem_Post : Official Account of The Jerusalem Post

https://twitter.com/HenMazzig : (Hen Mazzig) Senior Fellow, TLV Institute

https://twitter.com/IsraelAtlanta : Official Account of the Consulate General of Israel to the Southeastern United States

https://twitter.com/CotlerWush : Israeli Envoy to Combat Antisemitism

https://twitter.com/JGreenblattADL : (Jonathan Greenblatt) CEO, Anti-Defamation League

https://twitter.com/ShiraEfron : (Shira Efron) Director of Research, Israel Policy Forum

https://twitter.com/ZionessMovement : Official Account of Zioness, a Progressive Zionist Social Justice Movement

https://twitter.com/YKleinHalevi : (Yossi Klein Halevi) NYT Bestselling Author and Senior Fellow, Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem

Recommended TikTok profiles to follow:

https://www.tiktok.com/@adielofisrael : (Adiel Cohen) IDF Reservist & Social Media Influencer

https://www.tiktok.com/@israel : Official Account of the State of Israel

https://www.tiktok.com/@hen.mazzig : (Hen Mazzig) Senior Fellow, TLV Institute

https://www.tiktok.com/@camera_on_campus : Non-Partisan Organization Monitoring Bias in Media & Reporting

https://www.tiktok.com/@stand_with_us : Non-Profit Israel Education Organization

https://www.tiktok.com/@hillelintl : Official Account of Hillel International - The Foundation for Jewish Life on Campus
The above resources have been recommended by the CCAR/ARZA/Reform Israel Rabbinic Cabinet. Suggestions for added resources can be sent to Rabbi Judy Schindler, schindlerj@queens.edu and Rabbi Max Miller, mmiller@teatlanta.org.
https://www.tiktok.com/@idf : Official Account of the Israel Defense Forces

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Resources for Addressing the Israel-Gaza War

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We feel confident as a CCAR/ARZA/Israel Reform Rabbinic Cabinet that these resources are accurate and have minimal bias. Program Outline for A Safe, Respectful Community Conversation A 90-minute program lesson plan, created by Temple Sinai in Brookline MA, to be used or adapted in your synagogue-community to create a conversation of respectful speaking and listening, to allow adult community members to share their complicated and diverse set of thoughts, feelings and views with each other about the war and violence.

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Supporting Our Youth & Teens: Learning & Talking About Israel

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Jewish Teen Initiative, Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) and TribeTalk

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Supporting Our Youth & Teens: Learning & Talking About Israel

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Resources and opportunities for connection and conversation for Jewish teens, parents, educators and professionals.

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Israel at War - A guide to understanding the war between Israel and Hamas

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Are you relying on Unpacked for nuanced conversation and community right now?
For the price of a bagel and lox or a bowl of hummus, you can help us continue creating the things that have made you knowledgeable and connected.

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Israel at War - A guide to understanding the war between Israel and Hamas

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War is always complicated. Unpacked's mission has always been to bring context, clarity and nuance to complex situations in ways that are easy to digest. This selection of videos, podcasts and articles is a great place to start.

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How To Talk to Children About Israel Today | The Jewish Educator Portal

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How To Talk to Children About Israel Today | The Jewish Educator Portal

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A webinar recorded on Oct. 10, 2023 to provide guidance for educators and parents.

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How to Talk to Kids About What's Happening in Israel Right Now - Kveller

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The unfolding tragedy in Israel is hard to comprehend, but every child deserves an age-appropriate and honest conversation.

via Canva

My heart breaks with each update from Israel. Like so many others, I am worried sick about the human beings - and especially the children - who have been killed and taken hostage in this terrible tragedy. As a parent, it's tempting to turn to my own children, who are mercifully protected from the terrors of Hamas, and avert their eyes from the terrifying events unfolding in Israel and Gaza. But as a social scientist who studies how American Jewish children and teenagers learn, think and feel about Israel, I know that our children desperately want guidance about how to make sense of the most difficult moments of contemporary Jewish life.

That's why, despite my heavy heart, I've been speaking with my children about the recent events unfolding in Israel and Gaza. I'm offering you the language I've used with my kids - language that you can adapt to your own voice, your children and your political bent - as an example of how to begin this difficult discussion. Each of these conversation starters - different for early childhood, elementary, middle and high school students - are built upon the same principles: a belief that every child deserves an explanation of the current moment that is, at once, age-appropriate and honest, and an acknowledgement that every child needs adult guidance about what information is appropriate and trustworthy. For more tips on having healthy parent-child dialogue about difficult current events in Israel, check out this previous article that I co-wrote with my son.
For preschoolers:
I want to let you know that I'm feeling sad today because of a war happening far away in Israel. I wanted to tell you this because if you see me feeling sad today, I want you to know that it's not because of anything that did. It's because of the war. And even though we are safe, I'm still feeling sad, and a lot of other adults are probably also feeling sad. At any time, you can share with me your ideas and feelings, and you can ask me any questions you have. Is there anything you want to ask me or tell me?

For elementary schoolers:

I want to share with you some very sad news. There is a war happening right now between Israel and its neighbor Gaza. Unfortunately, some people have been injured and some people have died in this war, and you'll probably see that a lot of adults in our community are worried about the war. I wanted you to hear this sad news directly from me, because I want to let you know that you can ask me any questions and share with me any feelings you may have about it.

I also want to make sure that you know to come to me, instead of to Google, if you want to know more about this war - and it's totally fine if you don't want to know more. It can be really hard to tell what information online is trustworthy and what information online is appropriate for kids your age, so I'd like to be your source for any information you want to know. I don't promise that I'll know the answers to all of your questions, but I do promise that I will think seriously with you about your questions. Is there anything you want to ask me or tell me?

I want to talk with you about some very difficult news. Hamas, which is a militant group from Israel's neighbor Gaza, has attacked dozens of towns and army bases in Israel. Many Israelis have died, more have been injured and some were taken hostage. Many Palestinians, who live in Gaza, have also been killed and injured as Israel has responded. I'm pretty upset about this news and worried about what will happen in Israel and in Gaza in the coming days, and you'll probably see a lot of other members of our community who are also sad or anxious. I wanted you to hear this very difficult news directly from me, because I want to let you know that you can ask me any questions and share with me any feelings you may have about it.

I also want to help you learn more about unfolding events, if you want to know more - and it's totally fine if you don't want to. If you want to know more, I wanted to warn you that there are a lot of very disturbing pictures and videos circulating online, and it's really important that you're turning to appropriate news sources. I'm happy to be one of those sources, but if you're going to search online, I'd like to request that you get your information only from a source that I think generally has pretty accurate and trustworthy (though sometimes difficult) information: [insert your trusted news source]. Is there anything you want to ask me or tell me?

I want to speak with you about some very difficult news. Hamas, a militant group in Gaza, launched an attack on dozens of towns and army bases in Israel, and Israel has declared an all-out war in response. The scale of these attacks is really unprecedented: Hundreds of Israelis have been killed, thousands injured and an unknown number have also been taken hostage. Many Palestinians have also been killed and injured in Israel's retaliatory strikes on Gaza. I'm pretty upset about this news and worried about what will happen in Israel and in Gaza in the coming days, as are many others in our community. I wanted you to hear this very difficult news directly from me, because I want to let you know that you can ask me any questions and share with me any feelings you may have about it.

Whether or not you want to, you're likely to see things about this situation online and on social media, and I'd like to request that you use the same rules that I use for myself in online spaces at this difficult time: You can read as many (or as few) newspaper articles as you'd like about the current situation, but it's best to avoid watching violent videos that are circulating online. This decision - to read and not to watch - will help us stay informed and make decisions in the coming days about how we can show support for people affected by this war while also helping us maintain our own mental health in a really difficult time. Is there anything you want to ask me or tell me?

As difficult as it may be to speak about the current situation, your children deserve to know about the unfolding tragedy in Israel. Research has shown that traumatizing events on repeat can be very unhealthy for children, but to children about troubling current events doesn't make kids more traumatized. It actually helps them cope with living in a world in which troubling current events occur. Help your children learn to navigate the shards of our broken world; the first step is a conversation.
Join Kveller and The Jewish Education Project for a free webinar on October 10, 2023 about "How to Talk to Children About Israel Today," featuring the author in conversation with Dr. Samantha Vinokor-Meinrath. Register here

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How to Talk to Kids About What's Happening in Israel Right Now - Kveller

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My heart breaks with each update from Israel. Like so many others, I am worried sick about the human beings - and especially the children - who have been killed and taken hostage in this terrible tragedy. As a parent, it's tempting to turn to my own children, who are mercifully protected from the terrors [...]

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The scale of last weekend's surprise attacks by Hamas militants on Israel has staggered Israel and the world.

Hundreds of Israelis have been killed, thousands injured and dozens still held hostage by Hamas, young children included. Israel's ongoing retaliation has left hundreds of Palestinians dead, at least 90 children among them, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. And humanitarian groups are warning of a coming crisis if Israel follows through on its vow to cut off food, water and electricity to Gaza, where nearly half of residents are under 18 years of age.

The news is alarming for anyone - and especially for children, who may be left grappling with questions about why other children are among those affected, and whether they are safe. Here's some advice on how to get started with talking to kids about the conflict.

Be proactive about starting the conversation

Children of all ages deserve a conversation, said experts interviewed by NPR - even those without loved ones who live in Israel or Gaza.

Many children are likely to have heard something already, experts agreed, whether from peers at school, by picking up on news broadcasts or by overhearing adults' conversations.

Often parents choose to sit back, believing that their kids will start a conversation when they feel ready. That can be a mistake, said Waheeda Saif, a program coordinator at Riverside Trauma Center in Massachusetts. "We don't want to wait for our kids to come to us," she said.

Instead, Saif suggests using open-ended questions to start a conversation: "'Have you heard what's been going on in the world?' 'Have you heard anything about what's going on in Israel and Palestine?' And just see what they say, and take it from there," she said.

Older children with access to the internet should be encouraged to be skeptical of videos shared on social media and offered help with evaluating news sources, experts said.

And for younger children, it can be important to assure them of their safety, several said.

"They may actually think it's happening much closer to them than it is. They may not realize quite how far away in the world these events are happening," said Saif. Parents can use a map to show the distance between their home and where the conflict is occurring.

Check in with yourself and brush up on the facts

The best conversations with children about difficult subjects often means talking less and allowing kids to ask questions, said Dimitry Anselme, executive program director at the education group Facing History & Ourselves.

"They need context more than our opinions or political positions. That's not very helpful to them," Anselme said.

For parents to provide that context most effectively, Anselme advised parents to do an internal check-in before opening a conversation with their children. "Start with yourself. Do some personal reflection," he said. "Brush up and make sure you have an understanding of the basic elements of what's happening in the conflict."

(Here are some stories to get you started: What is Hamas? What is the Gaza Strip? And here's the latest update on events.)

Kids can handle tough topics

Children, even those who are quite young, can handle complex topics. Parents need not shy away from explaining historical context to their children, said Maha Bali, a professor of practice at the Center for Learning and Teaching at the American University in Cairo.

During a previous outbreak of violence between Hamas and Israel in 2021, Bali realized that her 9-year-old daughter had already read about Anne Frank and the Holocaust - but she hadn't yet learned about the history of Palestine.

"It was important to know about the Holocaust. It was important to know about Hitler. Therefore, she was also probably ready to learn about Palestine," Bali said.

Together, she and her daughter discussed the region's history, from the formation of Israel out of British-held Palestine in the wake of World War II all the way through the still-running blockade of Gaza, in which Israel controls the flow of people and goods into and out of the territory.

There's no need to oversimplify the conflict. Experts cautioned against equating the actions of individuals or organizations with entire populations.

"We're talking specifically about this individual, this group of individuals. We're not making a general statement about all Jews, all Palestinians," said Anselme of Facing History & Ourselves.

It's OK if you don't have all the answers

It's important for parents and guardians to know that it's OK if they don't have all the answers, said Sivan Zakai, a professor of Jewish education at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

"When children are asking parents profound questions about the world - especially about violence in the world - it might initially sound like they're asking their parents to be historians and political scientists all rolled into one," Zakai said. "But ... often their questions are actually asking, 'How can I live in this world even when there are all sorts of terrible things that happen?'"

As pessimistic as you may feel about the state of the world, she added, be sure to allow your child the freedom to imagine (and work toward) a better future.

"Children have a beautiful ability - one that adults sometimes lack - to look head on in the face of violence and still believe in the bottom of their hearts in the future possibility of peace and of coexistence and of resolution to this conflict," she said.

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How to talk to children about the violence in Israel and Gaza

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Many children have likely already heard about the attacks in Israel, whether from school or overhearing the news. Let them ask questions, experts say - it's OK if you don't have all the answers.

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How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War

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Exposure to graphic images, distressing information, and horrific headlines can affect kids' overall well-being. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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People are continuously struggling to respond when traumatizing events occur in our communities, across the country and around the world. Videos of these incidents are typically shared across social media platforms and become a constant feature in broadcast news cycles. While adults should prepare to engage young people in conversations about what's happening around them, we must always consider the well-being of all children, and especially those who may witness or are personally affected by these events.

The entire community is responsible for protecting and supporting children, especially in times of crisis. In empathizing with families, educators and community members who must respond to the needs of children as a traumatizing event unfolds, we've gathered recommendations and resources to help guide conversations with young people and to manage potential subsequent actions and reactions. Some LFJ resources contain recommendations from the National Association of School Psychologists, the Child Mind Institute and the American School Counselor Association.

In responding to crisis events, keep the following in mind for conversations with young people:

Listen and Hold Space

Please pay attention to how children respond to news about what is happening in the world around them. When something bad happens, it's of immediate importance to young people to share their feelings or thoughts, so it will occupy their minds whether you discuss it or not. Hold space for conversations and do not dismiss their questions, concerns or comments. Encourage young people to journal and draw to share their thoughts, or allow them privacy if they choose not to express their feelings at the moment.

Provide a Sense of Safety

Young people need to know they are safe, so be intentional about fostering feelings of safety when they are in your care. Review safety procedures at home and at school and identify adults who children can go to if they feel threatened or unsafe.

As misinformation typically spreads rapidly following a crisis, adults should help young people vet information and have a critical eye for breaking news. For example, if a shooting has occurred, there may be profiles of the shooter meant to cater to stereotypes. Look for trustworthy sources and remain skeptical. Steer young people toward facts and big ideas; avoid speculation.

It's also vital to monitor screen time. Discourage nonstop, uninterrupted footage of an unfolding crisis. Limiting the consumption of traumatizing media content during a crisis is important to maintaining children's sense of well-being. Carefully select what to watch together with children so they can discuss and share their feelings about what is happening.

Adults must keep explanations and discussions developmentally appropriate. For example, young children need brief, simple information balanced with reassurance that they are safe.

Model Empathy

How we experience and respond to tragic events varies, so be sensitive to people around you, especially young people. Children pick up on your emotions, and your reactions to events can affect them. Show kindness and empathy for feelings that might come up.

Recognize that children may not only fear for themselves, so consider how crisis events might make them worry about losing parents, family members, teachers and others they depend on in their lives. For young children, give comfort and reassurance with gentle words, and don't dismiss their fears.

Support young children with comfort and give them opportunities to play and share their feelings in multiple ways. Whether in the classroom or at home, engage in stress-reducing activities, such as creating art or utilizing a Peace Corner, where children can have a safe space to process their feelings privately.

Be aware of young people who are managing trauma or who have experienced violence. Monitor reactions and recognize that trauma can manifest in various behaviors, including anger and disengagement. Commit to destigmatizing mental health issues. For example, separate conversations about violence from issues of mental health.

Brainstorm Action Items

Help young people translate feelings of hopelessness or apathy into opportunities to respond with productive action. Join them in brainstorming ways they can support survivors and families experiencing trauma. Activities might include fundraising, volunteering, donating clothes and personal items, attending vigils or protests, signing petitions and writing supportive letters to people affected by tragedy. Read " Digging Deep Into the Social Justice Standards: Action " for ideas on ways to take action in your community.

Embrace Self-Care and Seek Community-Care

We must always care for ourselves and our children's emotional and mental health needs. Check in with your own feelings and give yourself grace for whatever comes up.

Remember that individual responses and the impact of violence may not be immediately clear, so be observant and maintain open communication, especially with young people. Sometimes anger can manifest in behaviors later, and sadness can become feelings of despair. If you or the children in your life are having a hard time coping with these events (for example, there are signs of sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, or behavioral concerns), please reach out for professional counseling support.

Community care is just as critical as self-care. Lean into your community to receive support and to offer support. Community care may look like donating to mutual aid funds, helping clean up after a disaster, providing food to a neighbor or offering a free service such as transportation.

Resources

It's important to appropriately respond to a crisis. The following resources provide context and offer strategies that aid in creating safe, inclusive environments.

Policing in the United States has a history of violence that disproportionately steals the lives of Black, Indigenous and other people of color along with individuals with disabilities. And despite years of protests, the Black Lives Matter movement, efforts for police reforms, and ongoing cries for justice, we continue to witness and mourn people killed and brutalized by police. These acts of violence-along with the lack of accountability-damages trust and affects young people across the country, prompting parents, caregivers, educators and communities to seek resources on how to address these subjects at home or in the classroom.

In the Learning for Justice web package Discussing Race, Racism and Police Violence, numerous resources explore the root causes of violent policing in Black and Brown communities, uplift Black and Brown youth and provide strategies to engage in critical conversations with young people about these issues.

With the proliferation of gun violence in the U.S., we must continue conversations about safety-not just when an incident happens. In "Don't Stop Talking about Gun Violence," we recommend unpacking common justifications for policies that do nothing to curb gun violence. This resource also lists some actionable items to help counter gun violence in communities.

The article "Conversations About Gun Violence, Disinformation and Extremism" offers ways to counter false narratives around gun violence, protect youth's well-being and bolster community safety.

When people are targeted with identity-based violence, it compounds the effects of the harm. It's critical to research and observe a school's climate in your community and advocate to put in place a plan to address hate, bias, harassment and violence before it happens. LFJ's resource guide, "Responding to Hate and Bias at School" provides strategies for preventing and addressing these events.

At home, talk to young people about identity-based incidents, from anti-Asian and anti-Black hate to antisemitism and anti-LGBTQ+ violence. Uplift the value of diversity and inclusion, and model empathy.

There are some things we cannot control. But we can control how we care for one another following catastrophic events. Natural tragedies expose the failings of a non-inclusive and oppressive society. For example, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, we witnessed how Black and Brown people were disproportionately affected. We also witnessed how they were less likely to get medical support and more likely to work jobs that put them at risk for contracting the virus.

We must not forget the grief and loss many people have experienced since the beginning for the COVID-19 pandemic. And for many children, the effects are ongoing-from the loss of a caregiver or teacher to adjusting to chronic medical issues and new social structures. In the article, "Responding to Children's Bereavement During the COVID-19 Pandemic," find additional resources to support young people who are experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding to events and tragedies with care and compassion is key to advocating for strengthened communities, making it possible to create a safe and inclusive democracy.

External Resources:

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Handle With Care: Supporting Young People During Crises

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People are continuously struggling to respond when traumatizing events occur in our communities, across the country and around the world. For families, educators and community members who must respond to the needs of children as a traumatizing event unfolds, we've gathered recommendations and resources to support you.

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1. Find out what they know and how they feel

Choose a time and place when you can bring it up naturally and your child is more likely to feel comfortable talking freely, such as during a family meal. Try to avoid talking about the topic just before bedtime.

A good starting point is to ask your child what they know and how they are feeling. Some children might know little about what is happening and not be interested in talking about it, but others might be worrying in silence. With younger children, drawing, stories and other activities may help to open up a discussion.

Kids can discover the news in many ways, so it's important to check in on what they're seeing and hearing. It's an opportunity to reassure them and potentially correct any inaccurate information they might have come across whether online, on TV, at school or from friends.

A constant stream of upsetting images and headlines can make it feel like the crisis is all around us. Younger children may not distinguish between images on screen and their own personal reality and may believe they're in immediate danger, even if the conflict is happening far away. Older children might have seen worrying things on social media and be scared about how events might escalate.

It's important not to minimize or dismiss their concerns. If they ask a question that might seem extreme to you, such as "Are we all going to die?", reassure them that is not going to happen, but also try to find out what they have heard and why they are worried about that happening. If you can understand where the worry is coming from, you are more likely to be able to reassure them.

Be sure to acknowledge their feelings and assure them that whatever they are feeling is natural. Show that you're listening by giving them your full attention and remind them that they can talk to you or another trusted adult whenever they like.

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How to talk to your children about conflict and war

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8 tips to support and comfort your children

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Curriculum Module "For the Sake of Argument" - Grades 4 & 5

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Curriculum Module "For the Sake of Argument" - Grades 4 & 5

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Stories for the Sake of Argument is designed to spark disagreements about key issues facing Israel and the Jewish world. From religious freedom to identity politics, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to COVID-19, gender equality to Israel-Diaspora relations, each story tackles a different issue, sets up a powerful clash of values, and leaves you with an unresolved dilemma to discuss.

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Stories for the Sake of Argument emerged from a realization that the field of Israel education has changed. Co-authors Abi Dauber Sterne and Robbie Gringras found that the fear of getting into an argument was obstructing real conversations about Israel.

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PJ Library and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation have a deep, unshakable connection to the State of Israel. We are proud to share stories with families around the globe that celebrate Israel and promote a sense of responsibility to the country and its people. And we are proud to reach hundreds of thousands of Israeli children and their families each month through PJ Library's Hebrew-language counterpart, Sifriyat Pijama, and Arabic-language companion program, Maktabat al-Fanoos.

If you are struggling, as many of us do, to navigate conversations about events in Israel with your children or grandchildren, we've compiled a shortlist of resources below.

How to Talk to Kids

How to Talk to Kids About Israel Right Now via kveller
How to Talk to Children About Antisemitism Questions Children Ask About Israel in General
Support for Parents

How to Talk to Children About Israel Today (webinar) via The Jewish Education Network

Find Community Support via the Jewish Social Services Agency

More
How to Talk to Kids About Scary Situations Songs of Comfort Videos and Media to Help Children Cope With Scary Situations This page will be updated on an ongoing basis with recommendations and resources from PJ Library's team.

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Resources for families, educators, and children.

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Answering Tough Questions About Israel - Stand With Us

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Answering Tough Questions About Israel - Stand With Us

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Antisemitism on college campuses is rising at an alarming rate and young adults are ill equipped to manage the challenges they may face. Most are unaware of organizations on campus that engage in Jewish life. In response, TribeTalk provides resources for high school seniors so they can research and compare Jewish life on multiple college campuses. In addition, TribeTalk produces insightful webinars and podcasts that present different experience of Jewish life on campus as well as in-depth discussions on relevant issues.

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Antisemitism on college campuses is rising at an alarming rate and young adults are ill equipped to manage the challenges they may face. Most are unaware of organizations on campus that engage in Jewish life. In response, TribeTalk provides resources for high school seniors so they can research and compare Jewish life on multiple college campuses.

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Since its creation in December 1987, Hamas has invoked militant interpretations of Islam to spearhead a Sunni extremist movement committed to destroying Israel. Hamas distanced itself from the longstanding Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)—an umbrella organization for disparate Palestinian factions that ranged from Marxist to secular nationalists—by propagating resistance in the religious context of jihad, or a holy struggle and martyrdom. “Jihad is its path and death for the sake of Allah is the loftiest of its wishes,” Hamas said in its first statement in the late 1980s. Predominantly Shiite Iran has armed, trained and funded Hamas since the late 1980s largely due to its opposition to Israel and Islamic ideology.