By Margaret Blome, David duPlantier, & Wendy Blome | Project Leaders
Children look to their parents for safety, protection, and comfort when they are afraid. That is never simple. In East Jerusalem, it becomes far more difficult.
The current war has brought constant sirens—day and night. Many children are already carrying years of trauma from life in their communities. The sound of alarms, the tension in the air, and the disruption of daily life only deepen that fear. With few bomb shelters available to Palestinians, the burden of creating any sense of safety falls almost entirely on parents.
The Spafford Children’s Center (SCC) cannot remove these dangers. But it can, and does, support the families facing them.
During a recent municipal closure, the SCC shared this message with parents:
“In the difficult circumstances we live in, our children may not understand all that is happening, but they do feel everything. The sound of sirens, tension in the atmosphere, and changes in the daily routine may cause them fear or anxiety that appears in the form of crying, overattachment, nervousness or sudden silence. Your calm presence, reassuring words, and warm embrace are powerful tools of support. At SCC we are always at your side to offer support and guidance when needed.”
The SCC hosted a Zoom workshop, “How to Protect Our Children in a Crisis,” led by its social worker. Parents were encouraged to limit children’s exposure to news, maintain consistent daily routines where possible, and engage in play, which is how young children process stress. They also discussed how to listen carefully, share information truthfully without increasing fear, and remain attentive to signs of distress such as changes in behavior, sleep disruption, or intense emotional reactions. When the Center reopened, SCC’s trauma specialists, psychologist, and social worker resumed in-person care for families needing additional support.
For more than a century, the Spafford Children’s Center has served children in this community through repeated periods of conflict and instability. Its focus remains the well-being of children and the strength of their families, and with your support it will continue for the next century.
Please consider supporting the American Friends of the Spafford Children’s Center through GlobalGiving. We are an all-volunteer organization with no overhead for rent or equipment, so your contribution goes directly to the work on the ground. If you have questions, contact us at SpaffordUSA@gmail.com.
By Matthew Dayton-Welch & Wendy Whiting Blome | Project Leaders
By Matthew Dayton-Welch & Wendy Whiting Blome | Project Leaders
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