10/03/2026
War forces families into prolonged, cramped confinement. This "hidden front" creates a perfect storm where the "secret" of abuse thrives:
Trapped with Abusers: We have seen the devastating results of victims trapped in safe rooms with their abusers.
Public Shelter Risks: For those without a private mamad, sleeping in public shelters introduces new risks from neighborhood perpetrators.
The Silence of Emergency: National crises often silence individual cries for help. When healthy boundaries collapse, the vulnerable are at their greatest risk.
Our children are resilient, but they are exhausted. Every adult in Israel must open their eyes. Watch for unexplained withdrawal or an extreme fear of specific adults, signs that go beyond "normal" war anxiety.
We cannot let the "big" war outside blind us to the silent battles being fought by children within. Breaking the silence is the first step toward healing.
Read more in my recent Jerusalem Post op-ed piece:
https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-889475
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Protecting our children in the shadow of war
