We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
–Elie Wiesel
The recent murders, injuries and aftermath at the Tree of Life congregation in the Pittsburgh area on International Religious Freedom Day sadly remind us that anti-Semitism, racism and hatred continue in our country. This event has evoked many emotions including fear, anxiety and worry, confusion and even anger in many around the country. It shook our ideas about the safety of the world around us. The debate on the issues has brought hatred out of the closet. As Jews, we have uttered the phrase, “Never again” in remembrance of the Holocaust. Yet, the shooting reminds us of how neo-Nazi ideas and hatred fester and grow.
We need to speak up. We, of all people, know what the price of silence can be. We may be struggling to make sense of what we
are seeing and hearing in our country. So too are our children. They will be turning to trusted adults for help and guidance. It is imperative that we talk to them about what is happening and what everyone can do.
Start the conversation. Talk about the events with your child. Not talking about it can make the event even more threatening in your child’s mind. Silence suggests that what has occurred is too horrible to even speak of or that you may not know about what has happened or even how to cope. With traditional and social media (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, text messages and newsbreaks
on favorite radio stations, and other avenues), it is highly unlikely that children and teenagers have not heard about the shooting at the synagogue, anti-Semitism and racism, and responses from our leaders around our country. NOTE: For young children (preschool and below), they may not understand the discussions. Please see notes about younger children below.
What does your child already know? Start by asking what your child/teen has already heard about the events in Pittsburgh and the aftermath from media as well as from friends. Listen for what understanding they have reached. As your child explains, listen for misinformation, misconceptions and underlying fears or concerns. Understand that this information will evolve in
the days ahead.
Empower your children and teens. When discussing the shooting at the synagogue in Pittsburgh and anti-Semitism, it is important to identify individuals who children and teens can trust should they be worried or overwhelmed by emotions and need someone to talk to about these. You are also identifying trusted individuals to approach if they or someone they know or see is being victimized by bullying actions. You can also empower them to ask about safety and security for all. This is also very important for your children entering/returning to college. Having information is important to coping and resilience in the face of difficult circumstances.
Values and beliefs. As you begin conversations, recognize that this is an important opportunity to instill values and beliefs about respect, tolerance and diversity. What your children/teens hear and see from you, they learn and these can become their values and beliefs. As Nelson Mandela so eloquently stated, “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion…” This was followed by what we have come to learn through experience as well as empirical research, “People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.”
Recognition of other groups. When talking about your values and beliefs, help children/teens identify other groups that may be targeted for hate and discrimination. These include minorities, other religious groups, refugees and LBGTQ individuals. These children/teens may also be scared, worried, anxious and even angry. Consider how you would like your child to support others who may be targeted with racism and hate speech and actions.
Common reactions. Children/teens will will have dirferent reactions to these events. In the immediate aftermath of a threat, problems with attention and concentration can arise, as well as an increase in irritability and defiance. Children and even teens may have more difficulty separating from caregivers, wanting to stay at home or with caregivers. Worries and anxieties about what has happened, what may happen in the future and how this will impact their lives are common. As the events in Pittsburgh, other acts of hatred and neo-Nazi, confederate and klan rhetoric are discussed across our country, children/teens who were not directly impacted may have anxieties that “it could have happened to me.” They may think about this event even when they are trying not to. Sleep and appetite may also be affected. In general, these reactions will begin to lessen within a few weeks of events. Support from you will help with feelings of safety and security.
Be a positive role model. Consider sharing your feelings about the events with your child/teen at a level they can understand. It’s OK to express worry, fear and even a little anger for what happened and for what leaders and others are saying. You can express sadness, worry and empathy. But, it is very important for you to also share with your child/teen ideas for coping with difficult situations like talking with you or other trusted adults. Your positive statements about the response by many leaders, rabbis and others in support of those targeted by hatred will increase your child’s sense of security and safety.
Limit adult conversations. Be mindful that children/teens are sensitive to your stress. Know that they also listen to your conversations, even when you don’t believe they can hear or are attending to you. Children may not understand all of your conversations and will fill in the blanks, often with misconceptions or inaccurate information. While the recent events have raised concerns for adults, have discussions about your feelings and thoughts with other adults out of your child’s or teen’s presence. It is important that you express your concerns in a healthy way as stress impacts all of us.
Limit media exposure. The events in Pittsburgh and the aftermath is on the every type of media and they are compounded by continued terrorist attacks around the world. Limit exposure to this coverage. For the very young child, there is truly no “good” amount. For young children and teens, they will likely have contact with traditional and social media. The younger the child, the less the exposure should be. In all cases, find a time to sit with your child/teen and ask about what they have seen, what they have heard. Get their ideas and opinions. Even checking in to determine what their friends may be saying about what is happening. Consider limiting your own exposure. Too much of it increases our stress levels.
Be patient. As noted above, in times of stress, children/teens may have more trouble with their behavior, concentration and attention. Even if they may not openly seek your understanding or support, they will want this. With adolescents who are searching for an increased sense of independence, it may be more difficult to ask for support and help. Children/teens will need a little extra patience, care, and love. (Be patient with yourself, too!)
Extra help. Should reactions continue or at any point interfere with your child/teen’s abilities to function or you are worried, contact your rabbi or your local mental health professionals who have expertise in trauma. Your family physician or pediatrician may be able to guild you to such experts. State mental health associations can also provide guidance.
Keep in mind. School can be a place of safety or bullying. School/college is a place of learning, time with friends, time for school spirit and activities. But this setting may also bring about other worries related to anti-Semitism, racism, deportation concerns and
hatred. Sadly, bullying behaviors are on the rise. Recent events may heighten worries and anxieties as they go to school/college. Be sure to discuss with your child/teen and college student what to do should they encounter bullying toward anyone at all: Tell someone. You may discuss other action steps such as befriending those who may be targeted. Silence should never be the correct response.
Religious services. With regular religious services, it is likely that all of us will be thinking of Pittsburgh and its aftermath and the visible rise of anti-Semitism. Neo-Nazis, white supremacists, and others will likely be part of conversations and sermons. Consider what your hope will be for your community. Consider what your hope will be for your children.
Security. Most synagogues and temples will have security during worship services and even Sunday school. Talk to your children and teens about safety. Be sure they know these individuals are there to protect congregants as well as to provide any help needed. This discussion may reduce some anxiety surrounding our religious activities.
Religious schools and community centers. Many children attend Jewish schools and families of all faiths are members of Jewish community centers. Recent events and anti-Semitism may result in increased concerns about safety and security in these settings. Learn about efforts to ensure safety and security. If you or your child ever feels uncomfortable about their safety, be sure they know you are available to talk to about these worries or other emotions. Be sure you and your child know who to talk to about
concerns at the school and/or community center.
Developed by: Robin H. Gurwitch, Ph.D. Professor Duke University Medical Center Center for Child and Family Health
Elana Newman, Ph.D. R. M. McFarlin Professor of Psychology, University of Tulsa Research Director, Dart Center
for Journalism and Trauma Co-Director, Tulsa Institute of Trauma, Adversity, and Injustice, University of Tulsa
Gregory Leskin, Ph.D. Director, Military and Veteran Families UCLA National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
For more information, please contact Drs. Gurwitch at robin.gurwitch@duke.edu, Newman at elana-newman@utulsa.edu or Leskin at GLeskin@mednet.ucla.edu.
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