Special Programs in Response to the Crisis in Israel

Please check this page regularly for updates.

Opportunities for Action

• Donations for Israel

Opportunities to Learn

• Every Wednesday at 5-6, join Cafe Ivrit – an opportunity to speak Hebrew and be together as Israelis.
• Every Tuesday from 6-7:30, join Hummusiya – an opportunity to make hummus, learn about Israel, and be together as a community.

For any questions, feel free to reach out to Noga, our Israeli Fellow: nvilder@berkeleyhillel.org

For parents and students, here are some ways you can provide support right now:

Listening

When they call you and can barely speak through sobs, allow them to have their pain witnessed and confirmed by you. Trying to solve or fix anything when someone is having heightened emotions tends to add more stress.

Sample Responses:

• I am so sorry you are hurting – This must feel so overwhelming.
• I love you and I will sit and listen as long as you need.
• I am glad you made the choice to reach out to me instead of keeping this to yourself.
• Would you like to pick a time to check in again?

Be Honest

As parents,  there is an expectation to know the right ways to do things or how to feel. This may be a time when you cannot explain the actions of the world or even how you feel.

Sample Responses:

• I know you want the violence to stop – I do too, but unfortunately, we will both feel discomfort in not knowing the outcome. I am so glad that we have each other for support.
• I am struggling with the news reports too – Let’s make a pact to limit or cut out social media for a few days.
• I am sad too about the losses families are experiencing – I have no idea what I would do or feel if this happened to our family. I am so grateful we have each other and you are here so we can process this together.

Getting Unstuck

You are the expert on your children – You know when they are not alright. If your child exhibits any of the following symptoms, please seek out the resources below.

• Not able to sleep, fearful of sleep, recurring nightmares.
• Not able to eat or drink.
• Neglecting hygiene.
• Unable to focus or concentrate, missing classes.
• Unable to control weepiness or sobbing for long periods of time.
• Exhibiting signs of past depressive episodes.
• Perseveration – Unable to think about or talk about anything else.
• Isolating or refusing to connect with others.
• Self-harming behaviors or talk about harming themselves or others.

If you are seeing any of these behaviors, encourage your child to get support by reaching out to these services:

Hagar Ben-Eliezer, Hillel Wellness Therapist
 (510) 988-3672
wellness@berkeleyhillel.org

Cal Berkeley Mental Health Services
Crisis drop-in is available Monday-Friday from 10 am-5 pm, the 3rd floor of the Tang Center
For help after-hours, call (855) 817-5667 and ask to speak with a counselor.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Free 24/7 support and resources for those in crisis and those who support them.
www.988lifeline.org
DIAL or TEXT 988