This year has been one in which the Jewish community has faced unprecedented challenges. The skyrocketing rise in antisemitism and antisemitic incidents has alarmed people, young and old. Youth in day schools and synagogue programs with whom WJCS partners are shaken by reports of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and rhetoric. Parents are worried about their children and how to explain and protect them from hate speech and hate in general. Holocaust survivors, who never imagined they would once again see antisemitism spreading across the world, are filled with fear and concern about their children and grandchildren’s futures.
WJCS is here to support people of all ages and backgrounds who are struggling in Westchester. Helping the Jewish community is a critical part of our mission, and it has never been more essential. Holocaust survivors tell us that the social events we organize for them, which include gatherings for Passover, Sukkot, and Hanukkah, films, and concerts, and having support groups in which they share their memories, family news, and worries, are lifelines. By providing emotional, social, and practical support, including home-delivered kosher meals, WJCS ensures that our most vulnerable don’t feel alone.
Our on-site services at partner Jewish day schools, nursery schools, and synagogues provide critical support to educators, clergy, students, and synagogue members at this difficult time. Our WJCS Guiding Parents Through Services program assists Jewish families who have concerns about their child’s social, emotional, or behavioral well-being and mental health and provides connections to appropriate services and support in the community.
At WJCS, we strongly feel that no one should feel alone. Please support WJCS so we can continue this critical work in the year ahead.
