As we mark one year since the brutal October 7th attack on Israel, we reflect on the millions of lives affected around the world, including those right here in our Dallas community. In the immediate aftermath, many Israelis found themselves in unimaginably difficult situations, with dozens, especially families with young children, relocating to North Dallas.
Our community quickly came together to establish an emergency fund in order to provide the specific resources each family needed. This support ranged from financial assistance for essentials like rental cars and additional household items to make their temporary homes more comfortable, to winter clothing and the costs of establishing a temporary life in Dallas. The fund also helped cover ongoing expenses back in Israel, such as housing and car payments.
This fund was able to provide several thousand dollars to families in the midst of crisis, as well as help triage requests about Jewish Day School options for their children.
In addition to the emergency fund for Israeli families, the JFS clinical team hosted several group therapy and processing sessions for our community, including:
- Webinar, “How to Talk to Kids When Bad Things Happen,” facilitated by Elinor Courson, LMFT-A, and Carey Nottingham, LPC.
- Webinar, “Stress and Trauma During the War in Israel: Building Resilience,” facilitated by Yaffa Podbilewicz-Weinberg, Ph.D.
- Zoom Community Processing Groups led by our licensed behavioral health clinicians, with special groups for teen girls (ages 13-18), teen boys (ages 13-18), parents, adult men, and adult women.
- Online resource for parents on “How to Talk to Kids When Bad Things Happen.”
- In-person workshop, “Managing Stress and Anxiety in the Israeli Context,” facilitated by Beth Broodo, LPC.
Our team of licensed clinical staff continues to support students in Jewish Day Schools and individuals of all ages throughout North Dallas. Now, one year later, we remain committed to our community, offering comprehensive health services, including case management, mental health counseling, and emergency financial assistance. As the situation continues to evolve, JFS is also equipped to provide employment services, support groups, and older adult services, ensuring a smooth transition for those settling into the Dallas community.