Parent Resources

Parent Resources

The Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey is committed to supporting parents and caregivers as they raise children in a strong, connected, and vibrant Jewish community across Somerset, Hunterdon, and Warren Counties.

Whether you are seeking guidance in responding to an antisemitic incident, or need support addressing how a school is handling instruction related to antisemitism, hate, or the Holocaust, we are here to help you navigate these situations.

We work closely with community partners, schools, and security professionals to ensure families have access to accurate information, appropriate support, and effective advocacy when needed.

Supporting Families Facing Antisemitism 

Encountering antisemitism in school and online can be upsetting, confusing, and isolating for both students and their families. Whether the incident involves bullying, harassment, discrimination, or hateful speech, knowing how to respond can make a significant difference.

The Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey is committed to helping families navigate these difficult situations. You are not alone. Our goal is to provide tools you can use to advocate for your child, ensure their safety, and connect you with trusted resources and community partners.

If your child has experienced an antisemitic incident and you are unsure of the next steps, please reach out. Lauren Greenberg, Director of Community Engagement, is available to help guide you through the process, connect you with appropriate resources, and support your family.

Contact Lauren Greenberg
Phone: 908.758.2003
Email: [email protected]

What to do Next:

Document What Happened

Record:

  • Date, time and location

  • Names of people involved including witnesses

  • Screenshots of online content

  • Photos of vandalism or graffiti

  • A written account from your child

  • Save all evidence

Ask:

  • How will the school address the incident?

  • What support will be provided?

  • What steps will prevent future incidents?

Report the Incident 

If it happened at school:

  • Teacher

  • School Counselor

  • Principal

  • District Administration

  • Local Law Enforcement if necessary

If it happened online:

  • Save screenshots

  • Report the content to the platform

  • Notify school officials if students are involved

  • Contact local law enforcement if necessary

Seek Support

Help your child by: 

  • Listening without judgement

  • Validating your child's feelings

  • Encouraging open conversation

  • Maintaining normal routines

  • Connecting with Jewish community support

  • Seeking professional counseling if needed

Remind your Child: 

❤️ They are not alone.
❤️ What happened is not acceptable.
❤️ Being Jewish is something to be proud of.
❤️ Your community stands with you.

Sample Letters to School Administrators 

When antisemitic incidents, discrimination, harassment, or bias occur at school, knowing how to respond can feel overwhelming. Communicating clearly and effectively with school administrators is an important step in advocating for your child and helping ensure a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

The Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey is committed to supporting families as they navigate these difficult situations. The sample letters below are designed to help parents and guardians communicate with school administrators, document concerns, request action, and begin a productive conversation with school leadership.

These templates can be adapted based on your child’s experience and the specific circumstances of the incident. When writing to school officials, we encourage families to:

  • Clearly describe what happened, including dates, locations, and individuals involved when known.

  • Explain how the incident impacted your child and the broader school community.

  • Request appropriate follow-up and steps to address the concern.

  • Keep communication factual, respectful, and solution-focused.

  • Save copies of all correspondence and responses for your records.

Sample Letters Available

Letter Reporting an Antisemitic Incident
A template for notifying school administration about an antisemitic comment, act of harassment, discrimination, or other concerning behavior.

Letter Requesting a Meeting with School Leadership
A template for requesting a conversation with administrators to discuss concerns and identify next steps.

Letter Following Up After an Incident
A template for checking in with school officials when additional communication, action, or support is needed.

Remember, you are not alone. The Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey is here to provide resources, guidance, and community support. If you or your family experience an antisemitic incident, please report it so we can help connect you with appropriate resources and support.

Report an Antisemtic Incident

You can report a threat, incident or suspicious activity related to our Jewish organizations, facilities or community members through our Incident Report Form. 

Unpacked: Helping Families Explore Jewish Identity and Israel

Unpacked provides engaging educational resources to help families better understand Jewish history, identity, Israel, and the issues shaping Jewish life today. Through videos, articles, and podcasts, Unpacked breaks down complex topics into accessible conversations that parents can explore with their children.

Whether you are looking to answer questions about Israel, strengthen your child’s connection to Jewish identity, or better understand current events, Unpacked offers thoughtful resources designed to encourage learning, dialogue, and deeper connections to the Jewish community.