Healing Together: Overcoming Trauma Through Advocacy and Dialogue

Nearly three years since the October 7th attacks, the Jewish community continues to grapple with profound loss, trauma, and how to move forward in an ever-changing landscape at home and abroad. The ongoing war in Iran, the widening political divide, and the rising level of antisemitism have added to our collective anxiety. How can we channel these emotions and overcome adversity through fellowship, advocacy and dialogue? Join us for a thoughtful conversation on how trauma impacts individuals and how it reverberates across families, communities, and the global Jewish population. Renowned trauma expert Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern and Jewish Women International Chief Executive Officer Meredith Jacobs in conversation with JCRC President Galia Messika Greenberg, will discuss trauma and post-traumatic growth. Together, they will weave together clinical insight with lived experience, offering a deeper understanding of how trauma shapes individuals and communities — and how healing can begin. We’ll also explore the critical role of advocacy in responding to and addressing that trauma — chiefly through the lens of JWI’s I Believe Israeli Women campaign, which has worked to elevate awareness of gender-based violence, support survivors, and ensure that the experiences of Israeli women are seen, heard, and believed. Grounded in Jewish values of communal responsibility and care, this program invites participants to consider: What does it mean to truly “show up” for one another after tragedy? How can we support survivors, hold space for pain, and foster resilience within our own circles? And how do we move, collectively, from grief toward meaning and renewal? The venue will be shared with registrants 48-72 hours before the event.