Take Action!

Below is a list of ways to help commemorate October 7th through meaningful action. Over the last year, there has been a tremendous outpouring of support and volunteerism from Jews all over the world. Communities have collected money for refugees, soldiers, families of fallen soldiers, and miluim or reservist families. Children and adults alike have written letters of support and sent pictures to families and soldiers in Israel. Others have become politically involved, lobbying their representatives to pledge support to Israel and to vote in favor of defending Israel. In our most difficult times as a nation, we come together and find comfort in our desire to support and help each other. As the war continues, even as it takes on new and complex contours, the support and efforts of worldwide Jewry is needed and so appreciated by Israel.

Here are a few ideas for students to get involved or actively help (some of these are more appropriate for older students):

Write letters of comfort and support to Israeli soldiers and families of Israeli soldiers. Younger kids can draw pictures to send to the soldiers. Also, coloring pages of Israeli flags, drawings of support, etc. can be used to decorate homes, synagogues, schools, etc. See here for sample coloring sheets and worksheets.
Start a video campaign to show support for Israeli citizens (holding up signs of support and encouragement).
Conduct research projects into cities in Israel or Israeli history, etc. A mock visit to Israel/the Kotel for younger students can help them feel connected.
Write letters to local representatives/senators, thanking them for their support of Israel and asking for their continued support.
Prayer and reflection can help students to feel connected and less alone. (Specific chapters of Tehillim that can be said including perakim 20, 27, 121, 130, and many more.) Have one student read the Prayer for the Israel Defense Force (IDF), the Prayer for the State of Israel, the Prayer for Redeeming Captives, or sing Acheinu Kol Beit Yisrael or Hatikvah daily, or the prayer written by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz z”l during the second intifada.
Social media activism can make a difference! Report hate and share positive stories about Israel and the Jewish people on social channels (as relevant for different ages).
On the school-wide level, organize fundraisers for gift packages to soldiers, help with those evacuated from their homes (from both the North and South of the country), ambulances for MDA, etc. Students can help organize, get the word out, select recipient organizations, etc.
Activities that encourage solidarity can afford students a sense of belonging and connection: wear blue and white in school, learn/sing Israeli songs, learn Hebrew “word of the day”
If your community has a “sister city,” connect students with peers so Israeli peers have some “normalcy.”
Light a yahrzteit candle in the school with pictures of those who have fallen.
Learn about those who have fallen; create a wall of those who have fallen and perform actions related to their qualities in their memory.
Attend pro-Israel rallies happening in your area.
The National Library of Israel is collecting letters or drawings that will be sent to Israeli soldiers/citizens/kids to raise their spirits, and will also be preserved in their collections. Click here for more information.
Consider donating to organizations that support Israel and are helping Israelis on the ground.