Israel

In the midst of this cruel war, we pray for an outcome for Israel and its neighbours which swiftly restores calm, ensures security, and leads to an enduring political solution resulting in justice and peace.   

We pray for the end of Hamas and the defeat of all terror and terrorist organisations.

We pray for the release of all the hostages and their safe return home to their longing and desperate families.

We pray for a minimum of casualties among the soldiers of the IDF and among all civilians in Gaza and Israel caught up in the fighting.

We pray for everyone across Israel and the Jewish world giving shelter and support to the tens of thousands evacuated from their homes. We pray for everyone supporting those wounded, traumatised and grief-stricken by Hamas’ barbaric attack. We pray for everyone striving to bring healing.

We pray that the laws of war are honoured. We pray for the supreme values of mercy and compassion.

Our God is the God of all life. We pray for the safety of the many thousands of innocent Palestinian people whose plight is appalling, who desperately need food, water, medicines and safe escape routes from the fighting. We pray for everyone striving to bring them protection and humanitarian aid. We pray for a better future for them, for a life of freedom and dignity.

We pray for the remarkable people devoting themselves to saving lives, wherever they are. We pray for all who, despite the fear and hostility, recognise the image of God in every victim of this terrible conflict and who work for healing on all sides.

We pray for our society here in Britain. We pray that antisemitism, islamophobia and all forms of race and religious hatred are overcome, so that we can work together in solidarity for a safe and harmonious future for all.

Even as the fighting continues, we pray that a better way is urgently found than war with its unspeakable horrors, so that Israel and its Palestinian neighbours can live together in safety and peace, with life and hope for everyone.

Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg

Looking after Ourselves and Managing Anxiety

Below is some general advice on protecting our own mental health in these difficult times. The advice comes from a lead clinical psychologist in Israel, and is endorsed by our Pastoral Care Co-Ordinator, Deborah Golend.

• Obsessively keeping up with the networks and news can provide us with a sense or illusion of control. It is as though if we are constantly up to date, we are doing something about what has happened. In practice, not only do we not do or help anyone, but vice versa. We weaken and tire ourselves out and leave no strength for ourselves and our loved ones or our families. The right thing is to catch up sparingly. Two to three times a day.
• Guilt – If we are not connected to the news 24/7 we may feel guilty. We may try to express solidarity or support for family, friends or community by connecting to the news. Again, in practice, we might only become more distressed and struggle to engage with work, school, life.
• The videos and testimonies we are currently exposed to are bigger and more devastating than we can contain. It is important not to overwhelm ourselves more with distressing information assuming we can filter and manage. 
• Try to create a routine, even if you don’t feel like it. Give yourselves small daily tasks. Not to be angry at ourselves and for having a hard time functioning optimally right now.
• Take breaks and do distracting things. Play, listen to music, do some physical activity, watch a film. These activities can create calm and distraction.
• Be together, be and talk to people who are supportive and kind.
• Think about how we can help. Even in the smallest thing. What I have to give to others. The feeling that I helped someone is very important and helpful.
• Avoid creating trauma responses to material we watch. Exposure to difficult content such as a video or photo can also be triggering stay in our minds.

Click here for some additional tips from the Board of Deputies on how to manage your anxiety and maintain psychological wellbeing.

Click here for some advice from the Mental Health Foundation on looking after your mental health during scary world events.

JAMI may also be able to provide assistance, as they support many hundreds of people each year impacted by mental health problems.

Children and Young People

PAJES, an organisation, which provides support to Jewish schools in UK, have produced accessible and visual resources, including videos, which may be worth watching with your child. 

There are helpful resources from Beacon House for talking with your child about war and conflict.

InnerWorldWork also have a collection of resources to support parents and professionals working with children dealing with trauma.