Dec 12, 2023

Treating the Trauma of October 7: BeWell Miami Answers the Call

The waves of trauma following October 7 have extended far beyond Israel and its citizens, as Jewish communities around the world face significant mental health challenges. From schoolchildren and college students to their concerned parents, BeWell Miami has been tirelessly responding to the escalating social-emotional needs of our community. The Federation initiative addresses mental health and wellness in Jewish adolescents (ages 12-26) and has been working closely with Federation partners — the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE) and Jewish Community Services of South Florida (JCS).

Following the terror attack, BeWell and CAJE professionals created a resource guide for parents of children and teens, including suggestions on how to talk about the war. The two groups continue to work closely to address ongoing mental health needs in the schools and provide additional support as needed.

To assist college students, who are also grappling with rising and rampant antisemitism on campuses nationwide, BeWell facilitated processing groups with FIU and UM Hillels, two of the seven Federation-supported Hillels in Florida. "The mental health of our college students has been a growing concern for years, but after October 7, we have seen the need for help rise at high levels,” said FIU Hillel Executive Director Jon Warech. “BeWell came to campus multiple times to talk to students directly and worked with staff to strengthen our ability to have the important conversations. The community partnership has been a blessing during a difficult time.” 

Parents, too, have needed a safe space to face the repercussions of the war, learn how to address graphic news reports and recognize troublesome behaviors they might see in their children. BeWell has organized and promoted a number of community-wide programs with trauma and mental health professionals to discuss these topics and more.

Additionally, BeWell has brought together Jewish communal professionals to learn how to find resilience and implement self-care techniques.

For information about the BeWell Miami Initiative, click here and follow @bewellmiami on Instagram. You may also contact BeWell Miami Coordinator Shoshana Farbman at [email protected].