Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, there has been a concerning uptick in antisemitism and anti-Jewish sentiment on Boston-area college campuses. Below are several organizations helping to support students right now.
BaMidbar
The collective trauma our community faces is profound. BaMidbar strives to support the mental health and wellness of Jewish teens and young adults during these times. They are currently offering emotional support calls specifically for teens and young adults in Massachusetts. Any student can request support through this form.
Hillel International
In the wake of Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack on Israel, and the rising tensions in Israel and on college and university campuses worldwide, Hillel wants students to know they are not alone. Find student resources and a specific guide for self-care strategies for tough times from the Center for Student and Staff Wellbeing.
Anti-Defamation League
The ADL’s “Online Hate and Harassment Reporting Guide” is designed to help targets of hate protect themselves and report hateful content on major social media and online game platforms. The ADL also offers “Tips for Engaging and Disengaging on Social Media.”
Face Jewish Hate
Online abuse includes antisemitism; here are ways to respond. Plus how to recognize cyberbullying, what its effects are, and how to stop it.
Jewish Family & Children’s Service
JF&CS offers an online support group where college students can discuss feelings and impacts from the war in Israel. (There’s also a group for faculty and staff.) Additionally, their Mental Health Connect line is a first point of contact if you don’t know where to start or what mental health services and resources are available to you. Call 781-693-5562.
Path to Well-being
This free eight-week, self-paced, virtual cognitive behavioral therapy program, developed in partnership with McLean Hospital and Jewish Family & Children’s Service, is designed to help with a range of emotional distress, including trauma, insomnia, grief, and more.
William James College INTERFACE Referral Service
Looking for a therapist? This free service matches Jewish adults whose permanent residence is in Greater Boston with outpatient mental health providers and offers a variety of mental health care services. Connect directly at 888-637-3033 or through their online intake. This dedicated service for our community also includes a limited pool of Hebrew-speaking therapists.