חִזְקוּ וְאִמְצוּ אַל־תִּירְאוּ וְאַל־תַּעַרְצוּ מִפְּנֵיהֶם כִּי ה' אֱלֹקיךָ הוּא הַהֹלֵךְ עִמָּךְ לֹא יַרְפְּךָ וְלֹא יַעַזְבֶךָּ׃
Be strong and resolute. Do not fear or dread them; for indeed God marches with you and will not fail or forsake you.
דְּבָרִים/Deuteronomy 31:6
We hope this message finds you and your school communities safe, knowing we all face the devastating news of the attacks on Israel that unfolded over the Chag. As we navigate the trauma and emotions of the current situation, we recognize the profound impact these events have on our schools, communities, and our students.
Am Yisrael is suffering, and we stand together in this moment of crisis. Many of us are dealing with personal loss experienced among friends, family, and colleagues. There are many day school alumni and other current and former members of our community in Israel. We pray they have not been harmed in the attacks, and we pray for the safety of those who are called to serve in the days and weeks ahead.
Jewish day schools and yeshivas play a unique role in fostering deep and enduring connections with Israel. Our commitment to Israel is at the heart of our mission, and it is during times like these that the importance of this commitment becomes even more apparent.
The bonds that our students forge with Israel are deeply personal, spiritual, and emotional. Through the connections formed with Israeli teachers and families, and through those many have made on school study tours to Israel, our students gain knowledge about Israel’s rich history and culture and a deep sense of peoplehood that transcends borders. The educators who bring the spirit of Israel into our classrooms play a pivotal role in nurturing an authentic connection that goes beyond headlines and geopolitical complexities.
As teachers, parents, and school leaders, we have the responsibility to guide our students through moments of uncertainty, helping them navigate the emotional landscape that may arise from the events unfolding in Israel. Our schools will continue to serve as beacons of strength, resilience, and unity.
Thank you for your steadfast dedication to Jewish education. It is through our united efforts that we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and contribute to a future of shared values and enduring connections.
Below are some resources to assist in your conversations and work, and more will be added to our Knowledge Center as they become available. Secure Community Network (SCN) is available to provide guidance about safety and security for your schools
- Resources for Schools on Violence and Terrorist Attacks in Israel (Prizmah Knowledge Center)
Wishing all of our schools and communities strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Paul Bernstein
CEO, Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools
Lisa Coll
Chair, Prizmah Center for Jewish Day Schools