The Charlotte Jewish News - December 2023 - Page 9
The Mental Health Impact of the War in Israel By Howard Olshansky, JFS Executive Director The attacks by Hamas in Israel left us devastated. As the days went by we were horrified by images of young festival-goers fleeing for their lives, families being forced from their homes and taken hostage, children being murdered, and kibbutzim being destroyed. Since Oct. 7 our community has come together
through vigils and unified Shabbat services, support sessions, and workshops to cope with the trauma from this war. Trauma affects people differently. For those who have experienced trauma in the past, the scenes unfolding on television could reopen old wounds. Whether it’s the aftermath of robbery, assault, or the loss of someone dear, such events can
Jewish Family Services Tributes October 2023 Happy Anniversary Paulette and Joel Cohen Alan and Linda Gack, Michael and Wendy Hennes, Vicky Wainscott Charlotte and Jerry Miller Frank and Cheryl Rotatori Happy Birthday Andrea Cronson Milton and Karen Silver Jerry Levin Paul and Lynn Edelstein Ada Shapiro Paul and Lynn Edelstein Anita Shapiro Paul and Lynn Edelstein
In Memory of David Kornblatt Gary Silverstein Julie Ann Rosenbaum Paul and Lynn Edelstein Nathan Thrope David and Beth Thrope Joseph Weisman Nadine Fox Fred and Violet Winton Nadine Fox
Mazel Tov On the marriage of Jenna Bernstein and Daniel Buettel Paul and Lynn Edelstein
In Honor of Erica Hennes, Matthew Hennes, Ilana Hirschmann, Hannah and Chris Hulon Joel and Paulette Cohen Sari Rosenberger’s Bat Mitzvah Project Jill Blumenthal
Jewish Family Services Volunteers & Donors October 2023 Volunteers: Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Suzy Catenazzo, Harvey Chesler, Dan Coblenz, Jonathan Collman, Andrea Cronson, Julie Dermack, Joni Deutsch, Sheryl Effren, Terri Fishman, Rachel Friedman, Robert Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Richard Goldsmith, Jennifer Golynsky, Gail Halverson, Sydney Heiberger, Rebecca Hockfield, Oren Hubara, Tara Hubara, Dawn Hubbs, Bob Jacobson, Rikki Kinitsky, Etti Krausse, Jennifer Koss, Elliot and Stephanie Kreitman, Marcia Lampert, Eric Lerner, Adina Loewensteiner, Matt Luftglass, Gene Marx, Frada Mozenter, Wendy Petricoff, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Marilyn Schuster, Janice Shubin, Cindy Siesel, Louis Sinkoe, Harry Sparks, Lorin Steifel, Steve Teich, Gail Vogel, Nancy Wielunski, Amanda Zaidman
Mitzvah Baskets: The Spiegler Family in honor of Ethan Spiegler’s bar mitzvah Food Drives: Hebrew High Special Thanks: Ballantyne Jewish Center for donation of challah
be reawakening. Holocaust survivors might find themselves confronting old horrors anew. Connections to Israel, whether through family, friends, or a shared sense of homeland, affect us all, influencing our collective mental well-being. Beyond the immediate grief of the 1,300 Israelis lost and more than 200 taken hostage, the war has also heightened antisemitism in our communities and on college campuses. This rising hostility can deeply affect you, whether you’re the parent of the sole Jewish child in a classroom, a college student feeling isolated, or an employee in a less-than-supportive workplace. The mix of sadness, anxiety, and fear — even when not fully acknowledged — can disrupt everyday life. Symptoms might include sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, increased irritability, or a withdrawal from social interactions. These are common indicators of stress impacting mental health. So, how do you manage these emotions? Understanding that everyone is different, below are some general ways to help manage your stress and anxiety: - Moderate your media intake. Set specific times for news consumption to stay informed without being overwhelmed. - Prioritize self-care. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and
sufficient sleep are essential to mitigate stress. - Practice relaxation techniques. Yoga, mindfulness, and even simple breathing exercises can alleviate anxiety. - Stick to your routines. Regularity in daily activities, like meals and chores, can reinforce a sense of control. - Limit alcohol and substance use. These can worsen stress and lead to dependency. - Talk to a trusted person. Sharing your concerns with a calm confidant can help manage your anxiety. You may feel frustrated by not being able to “do” something to help. Below please find a few suggestions specific to the situation in Israel that can help you feel like you have contributed: - Write a letter to your legislators asking them to support Israel.
- Donate to the Jewish Federations of North America Israel Emergency Campaign through The Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte (www.jewishcharlotte.org). - Offer to write a supportive letter to those with family in Israel to express solidarity. - Attend programs sponsored by one of our community’s Jewish institutions to stay informed. - Engage in prayer, privately or at services, for spiritual comfort. Most importantly, if your stress, anxiety, depression, and/ or another mental health issue is impacting your day-to-day functioning, reach out for professional help. Contact Jewish Family Services at (704) 364-6594 or email at info@jfscharlotte.org.
Daniel A. Lewis
Family Law Attorney DRC - Certified Family Financial Mediator Collaborative Divorce Professional
Hadassah Meal Preppies: June Hirschmann, Judy Kaufmann, Penny Krieger, Donna Lerner, Heidi Rotberg, Elissa Vining, Kyle Vining
Assisting clients in resolving family law disputes since 2005 • Divorce • Child Custody & Support • Alimony • Distribution of Assets & Debts • Pre-marital Agreements
Shalom Green: Thanks to all Shalom Green volunteers for providing fresh produce to our pantry clients.
Named to The Best Lawyers in America® for Family Law (2019 – 2024)
Food Pantry Donations: Thank you for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We continue to collect donations every other Wednesday at the portico entrance to the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building at Shalom Park.
Proud Member of the Charlotte Jewish Community Since 2010
Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, PLLC Tel (704) 338-1220 | dlewis@tinfulton.com | www.tinfulton.com
