Resources for Families

We recognize that the current situation in Israel may be difficult to discuss with your children so we wanted to offer you a way to begin this conversation along with some resources.

Experts suggest that you:

• Follow your child’s lead and answer their questions honestly and with simple facts. 
• If you are not sure how to answer their questions, tell them that you’re not sure and then get back to them after you check the facts. 
• Carefully screen any photos or video footage before you show them to your child. 
• Validate their feelings and take the time to understand what they are really asking.  

Some helpful conversation prompts:

• Have you heard about Israel in the news recently? I’d like to talk about what has been going on there this week. 
• Sometimes scary things happen in our world. These events are not happening in America, but I want you to hear about this because it is something I am thinking about right now…
• I know you are hearing us worry about Israel and I want to talk about some of what the children in Israel are experiencing…
• You know Israel is so important to our family and right now there are some special things we can do to help Israel. Let’s talk about what is going on and how we can help.  

Dr. Sivan Zakai, Director of the Children’s Learning About Israel Project and mom of three, wrote this piece - “How to Talk to your kids about the violence in Israel and Gaza” - a few years ago and it is as relevant today.

Additional Resources:
How to Talk to Children about the Conflict in Israel
Your Kids Are Ready to Talk About Israel, Are You?
Explaining the News to our Kids