The Jewish Response to Tragedy and Terror

Once again, we find ourselves watching the unthinkable. Jews attacked, women and children taken captive, and people paraded in cages like animals. What’s unfolding isn’t just political—it’s personal. And it’s not only about Zionism. It’s about raw, cruel hatred for Jews, and the images, often hidden from mainstream news, are spreading across social media, shaking us to the core.

These moments aren’t just tragic headlines—they hit deep. For many of us, it’s an emotional rollercoaster, mostly headed downhill. The pain is physical too: stress, migraines, and fatigue from simply trying to process what’s happening. And if you’re feeling that, you’re not alone.

But Judaism gives us a response—not one that fixes everything, but one that gives us something to hold onto. There’s a teaching that when you offer encouragement to others, you yourself are uplifted. Even in our lowest moments, we are called to be a source of light.

That’s not about pretending things are okay. It’s about acknowledging the pain and still showing up—for someone else. Because healing doesn’t start in silence. It begins when we remind each other: you’re not alone, and this isn’t the end of our story.

In times of tragedy, community becomes everything. That’s why even a Zoom call with a few Jewish faces can matter. A few honest words. A reminder of who we are. A spark of comfort in a dark moment.

Encouragement doesn’t erase the hurt, but it does help us rise above it—together.