Cherry Hill PTA: How Parents Can Talk To Children About Israel

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Death and destruction in the 2023 Israel-Hamas war have weighed heavily on many Cherry Hill residents. And discussing the matter with children can be difficult.

As a result, the Cherry Hill Zone PTA's Executive Board offered guidance to local parents on helping their children process what they're seeing and hearing. The letter, sent Wednesday, doesn't directly mention the conflict but begins with the following:

"The past 4 days have been extremely difficult for many in our community. Within our own Zone PTA, we have folks who have been personally impacted by recent events."

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Four days prior, Palestinian militants broke through the Gaza-Israel barrier and killed at least 260 Israelis at a music festival while striking nearby Israeli communities and military bases. After clearing Hamas forces from impacted areas, Israel responded with airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.

When it comes to discussing the matter with children, the Cherry Hill Zone PTA encourages parents to keep communication open.

"As our children are exposed to images, videos, social media posts & stories, and things other students may be saying, we'd like to serve as a reminder that we, the parents, have to provide support and guidance," the letter says. "Look at these images, videos, social media posts and stories with your children. Talk with them about how they're feeling and about what they're seeing and hearing."

The PTA asks parents to encourage their children to say something — either at home or to a trusted adult at school if it's during the school day — when they see something that makes them uncomfortable. Additionally, speak to them about "reliable and credible news sources," the letter says.

Read the full letter below:

The Cherry Hill Zone PTA facilitates joint meetings among the PTA presidents of the township's 19 schools, the district's administration and the local community.