letter to residents

Dear Residents,

A painful event happened yesterday here in Efrat when a girl ended her life after prolonged mental illness. Her funeral was held last night, and we send our condolences and share in the deep sorrow of the family.

This great loss affects many people in different ways, and the pain, and the nature of the circumstances may lead to thoughts and feelings that are overwhelming.

Difficult and powerful emotions, such as sadness, anger, guilt, blame, shame, can impact adults, teens, and younger children who have been exposed to this event, as well as friends of the siblings, neighbors, and acquaintances.

In challenging moments like these, the strength of our community is tested. We must be sensitive and attentive to our families and neighbors, regardless of how close they are to the event.

School staff will guide high school and middle school students as needed, giving them the opportunity to talk and process things in an appropriate manner.

We recommend that you, the parents, speak to your children who were exposed to the event about what happened, depending on their age. It is important that you listen to what they have to share.

Please pay attention to your children's reactions, such as: fear, difficulty falling asleep, difficulty being alone, various sensations, crying, and anger. These are normal reactions to an event of this kind, and they will likely weaken over time. It is important to allow children to talk, and not to be alarmed by the different emotions they express, since all emotions are legitimate and even expected in grief situations.

At the same time, it is important to encourage positive activities, depending on the age, such as: social activities, sports, reciting Tehillim, engaging in hobbies, learning in memory of, preparing words of support for the family, and more.

Children sometimes react immediately, and sometimes their reactions are delayed. Both responses are normal. If your child experiences acute and persistent feelings of distress, we highly recommended that you seek help.

During the week, the school staff will continue to accompany the students and their parents. In addition, the Educational Psychological staff, the Social Services Department, and the Resilience Center will guide the schools and the community and will offer various services which will be publicized shortly.

In case of any questions or concerns, you are invited to contact the educational staff, and you can also reach us on the following numbers:

Department of Social Services: 02-9939370, Educational Psychological Service: 02-9939333

Yitzhak Carlebach,                                         Dr. Barbara Ash,

Director, Social Services Department,            Director, Educational Psychological Services