The haunting image of the two Israeli diplomats senselessly gunned down outside the Capital Jewish Museum ignites feelings of sadness, grief – for their families, for lives cut short, and for a world where such violence is still possible. How can we bear witness to the tragedies past and present and maintain our spirit?
Antisemitism is surging at historic levels. In 2024 alone, the Anti-Defamation League documented 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. This is the highest number of attacks against Jews on record since tracking began 46 years ago.
The concept of safety feels increasingly like an illusion. A person’s life can change in an instant, creating feelings of doubt, lack of trust, and fear. Translated into mental health language, these feelings manifest as insecurity, depression, and even paranoia. Uncertainty can breed helplessness and sap hope, and without hope, it’s hard to survive.
Even though the natural tendency is to retreat or isolate during times of despair, it’s times like this that community matters more than ever. It may be time to seek some clarity through counseling, to gain more insight into your own feelings, and regain your strength. Volunteering is another powerful act that shifts the focus from helplessness to purpose, from despair to action.
Whether it is prayer, advocacy, mindfulness, or reaching out to a friend, we must find ways to empower ourselves to find meaning in our lives. Experts who study the rising rate of depression and suicidality in teens and adults under 30, advocate for less social media and building more community through genuine relationships. We don’t need a huge group of supporters, just a few friends we can truly count on.
Jewish tradition tells us that even in a world broken by inequality and injustice, we are commanded to begin again. To begin again takes courage, but it may be the only step forward when we are mourning losses too great to bear alone.
At Jewish Family Service, we hold a vision that “No one in our community should suffer hunger, isolation, abandonment, emotional or physical distress, or lack of community support and caring. This vision can serve as a daily reminder that we must be courageous and compassionate, even in dark times. No one should not suffer alone. JFS is here for you.
If you are interested in speaking with a counselor, please contact counseling@jfslv.org, or call 610-821-8722.
By Executive Director Debbie Zoller, MSW, LCSW
Eblast May 28, 2025