Here are some resources for parents, teachers, clinicians, and others who need to talk about Israel with children who are autistic, intellectually disabled, or need more support to process these events.
First, on Friday, October 13, at 10:45 a.m., I am hosting two friends and individuals on my Facebook page to discuss this. You can RSVP HERE.
Join me and Gabrielle Kaplan-Mayer and Jaime Bassman from Whole Community Inclusion initiative of Jewish Learning Venture
We’ll be taking your questions and sharing strategies on how to talk about the war is Israel with your disabled and neurodivergent children.
Is your child’s anxiety increasing? Are they perseverating on the news on TV? We’ll offer ideas, resources, supports and more.
We’ll take live Q&A as time allows.
Join us on the ADayInOurShoes Facebook page (NOT HERE inside the event) at 10:45 for a live, frank discussion about these events.
A replay will be made available after the event and added to this article (the one you’re reading right now) so that it is accessible to those not on Facebook.
Jaime was kind enough and resourceful enough to share a few more resources.
Resources to Talk with Kids about the War in Israel and Palestine
First, here is a social story about Israel from the Jewish Autism Network.
JKid Philly also has a comprehensive list of resources to use. Note: *adapted from an email sent by Perelman Jewish Day School. Here is a partial listing.
- How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War: Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics.
- Talking to Your Kids About War: Ways families can speak with young people about war, including tips on sharing information and restricting media coverage.
- How to Talk to Your Children About Conflict and War: UNICEF’s guide offers eight tips to support and comfort your children.
- Israel Resources: jkidphilly
Under the column “Learn,” you will find links to numerous articles and blogs about talking with children about Israel. - Talking to Your Children about Israel in a Time of Crisis, Jewish Education Project
- How to talk to your children about violence in Israel, Jewish Education Project
- Diverse Narratives, iCenter, an organization committed to transforming the professional field of Israel Education
- Videos to Help Parents and Kids Talk About Scary Situations, PJ Library
Going to their website, you will find age-specific resources, prayers, and more.
Beverly Socher-Lerner of the Makom Community has a list of how they approach the topic with the children at Makom Community. You can read it by clicking that link.
Please stay tuned to this post; we will update it as more resources are shared with us.
