The Jewish community faces an escalating mental health crisis, intensified by rising antisemitism and global instability. The anxiety, fear, and trauma reverberating through families and individuals are palpable, calling for immediate and compassionate intervention. Recently, the Mental Health IsReal event in New York City set out to tackle these urgent issues. Organized by Rona Ram Lalezary and Anzhelika Steenolsen, the event sought to bring people together for support and awareness of the complexities involved in addressing the communal Jewish trauma.
Mental Health IsReal brought together notable speakers and community influencers. While well-intentioned, the structure of the event seemed to prioritize celebrity over depth; leaving the mission ambiguous and vague. Licensed mental health professionals Gina Ross, Rivki Jungreis and Malka Shaw, who are deeply committed to the community’s well-being, were placed in a preliminary session that only a smaller audience attended. This limited exposure was a missed opportunity; their insights into trauma, resilience and mental health could have shaped the evening’s central message. Instead, the main program, focused on high-profile honorees and social media figures, felt somewhat disconnected from its mission of mental health advocacy.
Ross, known for her work on emotional resilience in crisis situations and her trauma center in Israel; and Jungreis, board member of Nefesh, who introduced innovative digital tools for stress management; both brought meaningful resources to the discussion. Shaw, founder of Kesher Shalom Projects, provided powerful reflections on the Jewish community’s unique mental health needs. She emphasized the importance of openly addressing the psychological impact of antisemitism and highlighted Kesher Shalom’s commitment to educating non-Jewish allies to foster understanding and counter the spread of antisemitic propaganda. Her work is invaluable in promoting the education and professional development necessary to navigate and mitigate the effects of trauma, particularly trauma rooted in hate.
Reflecting as someone who has faced depression and lost friends and possible business deals over the past year, the value of in-person programming and support from licensed professionals feels undeniable. The rise in antisemitism is more than just a social or political issue—it’s an emotional crisis with real psychological repercussions. In-person support from seasoned therapists provides validation, practical tools, and a roadmap to resilience. Events like these, when grounded in the expertise of professionals, can be lifelines for community members grappling with fear and trauma.
In facing a mental health crisis as profound as the one unfolding today, it’s crucial for Jewish organizations to prioritize licensed professionals, ensuring the focus remains on trauma healing and emotional resilience. The presence of prominent figures can raise awareness, but the real work requires the expertise of those trained to address mental health needs. Shaw poignantly described trauma as a “wound of the mind, body, and spirit” that can make one’s world feel “upside down,” but she also underscores a powerful truth in her work: “Jewish trauma teaches us that we are not defined by the darkness that sought to break us but by the unwavering light we ignite in defiance, carrying forward the resilience of past generations.” These are the messages the community needs—along with techniques for grounding and resilience that empower us to turn these words into healing action.
The future of our community’s mental well-being depends on uplifting voices like those of Ross, Shaw and Jungreis and supporting projects like Kesher Shalom, which are unwavering in their dedication to mental health. With the right focus, we can create more than awareness—we can foster spaces for true recovery and growth.
