Recent Attacks on U.S. Synagogues
On March 12, 2026, an individual drove a vehicle into the synagogue and opened fire on Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The building sustained significant damage, but strong security measures and an emergency response enabled the preschoolers and staff inside to be evacuated safely without physical harm. Authorities are investigating the incident as a targeted act of violence against the Jewish community (AP News). Temple Israel has set up a fund to support the congregation.
On Saturday, January 10, Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, was set on fire by a 19-year-old white supremacist. The fire damaged the lobby, library, and offices and destroyed two Torahs. The congregation is also home to the Institute for Southern Jewish Life, which supports, connects, and celebrates Jewish life in the South. Beth Israel Congregation has shared this Forward news article and this link to support their rebuilding efforts.
On Saturday, January 10, Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson, Mississippi, was set on fire by a 19-year-old white supremacist. The fire damaged the lobby, library, and offices and destroyed two Torahs. The congregation is also home to the Institute for Southern Jewish Life, which supports, connects, and celebrates Jewish life in the South. Beth Israel Congregation has shared this Forward news article and this link to support their rebuilding efforts.
- Tips for listening, reassuring, and using books and family discussions to help children understand and respond to antisemitism in a supportive way. How to Talk to Children About Antisemitism sponsored by PJ Library.
- Parent-focused guide with practical tips for listening, answering questions, reinforcing Jewish pride, and empowering children to respond thoughtfully to discrimination. Resource Guide: Talking to Your Child About Antisemitism from The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia.
- Mini-Lesson for 6th - 12th Grade with strategies and activities for supporting students after violent events targeted at people because of their identities. by Facing History - Teaching in the Wake of Violence.
- Please reference additional resources in the Bondi Beach Hanukkah Attack section below.
War In Iran
As tensions involving Iran and the broader Middle East continue to escalate, the situation has raised global concern and may be unsettling for children and teens. This moment underscores the importance of helping young people process complex events, fostering resilience, and supporting open, age-appropriate conversations about safety, conflict, and identity.
- Guidance for caregivers on how to talk to children about war, including managing media exposure and supporting emotional well-being from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
- Lesson plans and activities for students that explore themes of resilience, identity, and Jewish text in times of conflict from the Lookstein Center:
- Guidance for K–12 administrators on supporting students, addressing antisemitism, and fostering inclusive school environments from the American Jewish Committee (AJC)
Bondi Beach Hanukkah Attack
On December 14, 2025, during a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, a violent attack targeted the Jewish community, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people and injuries to dozens more, underscoring the importance of educating families about antisemitism, fostering resilience, and supporting open, age-appropriate conversations with children about safety, prejudice, and Jewish identity. Authorities identified the incident as a terrorist attack motivated by antisemitism.
- Specific parenting scripts geared toward specific age groups. Makom Community Parenting Scripts by Beverly Socher-Lerner.
- Practical guidance for parents to have age-appropriate conversations about antisemitism, build resilience, and reinforce Jewish identity at home. Guide for Parents on Talking About Antisemitism provided by Shine a Light On.
- A fact sheet guiding parents on explaining hate crimes, addressing children’s emotional reactions, and supporting them through sensitive conversations from Talking to Children About Hate Crimes and Antisemitism presented by National Child Traumatic Stress Network
October 7th
October 7, 2025 the JEC has developed a Family Ritual and Remembrance Guide to commemorate October 7. This is available as a free download.
October 7, 2024 The JEC created a School and Teacher Resource Guide to use to commemorate the day by creating and learning about Kaliniyot. This is available as a free download.
On October 7th, 2023, almost 3,000 Hamas Terrorist infiltrated Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Since then Israel and Hamas have been engaged in Operation Iron Swords, where Israel is trying to destroy Hamas and free the remaining hostages. Learn more about Operation Iron Swords below:
October 7, 2024 The JEC created a School and Teacher Resource Guide to use to commemorate the day by creating and learning about Kaliniyot. This is available as a free download.
On October 7th, 2023, almost 3,000 Hamas Terrorist infiltrated Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Since then Israel and Hamas have been engaged in Operation Iron Swords, where Israel is trying to destroy Hamas and free the remaining hostages. Learn more about Operation Iron Swords below:
- A collection of several resource offered by ARZA: Resources for Addressing the Israel-Gaza War – ARZA
- Easy to understand and clear videos and articles explaining the history of Israel, and current events from Jewish Unpacked: Israel at War - A guide to understanding the war between Israel and Hamas (jewishunpacked.com)
- 5 easy to read charts that highlight significant trends in Israel in face of Operation Iron Swords: https://news.gallup.com/poll/547760/life-israel-oct-charts.aspx
- A thought provoking article on the connection between the Holocaust and Operation Iron Swords: How the Holocaust shapes Israel’s war in Gaza – POLITICO
- Everything you need to know about the Israel Hamas War from the AJC: https://www.ajc.org/IsraelHamasWar
Wildfires in Los Angeles, California January 2025
Clusters of wildfires around Los Angeles area have killed at least 10 people and forced 180,000 from their homes. The scope of the damage is still unknown. In addition to many families and businesses evacuating, the Jewish community has been effected as well. Learn more below:
- Information from The Los Angeles Crisis relief support being offered and ways to donate through Jewish Los Angeles.
- Talking to children about wildfires and other natural disasters from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
- Read one artists perspective and response after wildfires several years ago. It includes an overview, prayers, and information on a solo exhibit at the Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco, and by artist Julie Weitz.
- A variety of liturgical resources for communal crisis by The Central Conference of American Rabbis.
Antisemitism on College Campuses
In recent years, there has been a tremendous surge in Antisemitism in American, around the world, and specifically on college campuses. This has led to protest, encampments and several trials. Learn more below:
- The Anti Defamation Leagues discusses the surge of Antisemitism on campus: https://www.adl.org/resources/blog/campus-antisemitism-surges-amid-encampments-and-related-protests-columbia-and-other
- Hillel shows the uptick in antisemitic acts on campus over the years: https://www.hillel.org/antisemitism-on-college-campuses-incident-tracking-from-2019-2023/
- US News reports on a poll where large percentages of students call Antisemitism a problem: https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2024-05-13/poll-students-at-top-universities-call-antisemitism-a-problem
War in Ukraine
With war rampant in Ukraine for over two years, it is important to learn about the War and how you can help.
Learn more about the War in Ukraine with the following resources:
Learn more about the War in Ukraine with the following resources:
- Get to facts and ways to help through the World Vision website: https://www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/ukraine-crisis-facts-faqs-and-how-to-help
- Learn about the Jews in Ukraine who still need help from the Jerusalem Post: https://www.jpost.com/international/internationalrussia-ukraine-war/article-788371
- The Jewish Federations all over America offer funds and relief to Ukrainian Jews, learn more: https://www.jewishfederations.org/crisis-in-ukraine
- Learn to discuss it effectively and carefully with your children from Sivan Sakai's article: https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/ukraine-invasion-how-to-explain-kids-b2025587.html
- Help the JDC as they offer relief to Ukrainian refugees and those who still remain in Ukraine: https://www.jdc.org/disasters/ukraine-response/?utm_campaign=ukraine-response-2022&utm_medium=slideup&utm_source=web
