Global Jewish Solidarity in Times of Crisis

The events of October 7^th left an indelible mark on Israeli society, reshaping the nation in ways that have yet to be fully realized, and will be felt for generations. As the country continues to deal with unprecedented trauma, the solidarity so many Jewish communities around the world have expressed, along with emotional, financial, and actionable support, have been sources of hope and resilience.

At the same time Israelis are experiencing crisis, in many ways, so are Jews around the world. From local antisemitism to hearing horrific news from Israel, our days are often filled with worry, anger, and fear. Solidarity is powerful and positive, yet our empathy and compassion also mean that we, too, experience the trauma indirectly.

At American Friends of NATAL, this outpouring of support reminds us that we can lean on inner resilience and the desire to find hope that are part of what it means to be human.

Shaked Arieli, head of Career Development at NATAL's Israel Trauma and Resiliency Center, shared:

It is in a human's DNA to normalize and look for hope. We almost don't remember a trauma, and after a while, it is a new normal. There is always a wound, but it's not something that you can't live with. That's our hope-to build resilience.

In the morning liturgy, we read, "With goodness, the Holy One renews creation every day" (u'vtuvo mechadesh b'chol yom tamid ma'aseh v'raysheet). The prayer reminds us that renewal and healing is possible. Each day offers an opportunity to evolve, find strength in adversity, and take meaningful steps forward. Global Jewish solidarity embodies this spirit of renewal, providing the support and encouragement necessary for individuals and communities to reimagine themselves in the aftermath of trauma. This collective commitment to renewal allows us to recover and to grow stronger, reinforcing the idea that, through solidarity, healing and rebuilding are within reach for individuals and entire nations. It also reminds us that we cannot have the mindset of "it won't happen to me." This can lead to dangerous complacency, making individuals and communities more vulnerable to future crises.

Mental health support is critical to helping people process their trauma and rediscover their strengths. Global support has become a hug of compassion, a vital connection that strengthens the bonds within the Jewish world. This sense of solidarity is rooted in the value of shared humanity, the belief that all people deserve respect, dignity, and kindness. By standing together, the Jewish people offer practical support and affirm the intrinsic worth of every person affected by this crisis.

Here are five lessons from experts at NATAL on how we might heal from trauma:

Stay connected. At a recent mental health affinity group meeting, one of the Israeli participants said that she contacts another Israeli friend every day. They check in and give each other a number from 1 to 10 to describe how they are doing. They don't feel the need to get into details; just knowing that someone is there and having that connection fulfills the need.

Fostering resilience begins with support and reassurance. Spend quality time with loved ones and communicate openly. Checking in on friends and family extends the circle of emotional support, while participating in global solidarity efforts strengthens the bond within the Jewish community worldwide. Knowing that people around the globe care and stand united offers an additional layer of hope and reassurance. Connect with others through forums, webinars, or events that share stories of resilience and hope. These can inspire collective healing and reinforce the bonds of global solidarity.

Limit exposure to distressing media content. This can help both children and adults manage their emotional responses. Normalize and validate fear, anxiety, or sadness as natural reactions to challenging situations. Encourage open conversations to help process these emotions and foster understanding. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or physical exercise can further ground us and calm the body and mind.

Focus on hope. Remind yourself and others that the current situation is temporary. Small comforting acts, like brewing tea or sharing a smile, can provide strength and optimism. Global solidarity amplifies this hope, showing that while the challenges may feel insurmountable, the support of the global Jewish community ensures that no one faces them alone.

Give to others. Consider donating to organizations that provide essential trauma recovery programs and mental health support or volunteering your time and skills to community support initiatives or trauma response programs. Share resources about mental health and resilience within personal and professional networks to help educate others and raise awareness.

Contact policymakers. Emphasize the importance of prioritizing trauma care for victims of the crisis.