Supporting Mental Health and Wellness When It’s Needed Most
Since the start of Hamas-Israel war, college campuses have experienced a historic increase in antisemitic incidents, and mental health and wellness support for Jewish students, and the Hillel professionals who support them, has never been more critical.
A pulse-survey of Hillel directors highlighted that additional wellness programs and counseling services were needed to support Hillel students and staff during this challenging time. The survey indicated that wellness programs and counseling sessions were the second and third most attended student events, respectively, just behind vigils and rallies in support of Israel. Hillel International has responded accordingly, offering an expanded slate of robust programs and resources to support and uplift staff so they can in turn support and uplift students.
Over the next two months, all Hillel professionals will have access to twelve free mental health sessions and twelve coaching sessions throughout the year. Additionally, dedicated on-campus mental health staff continues to expand as part of the $1.8 million Zalik Foundation grant, awarded in 2022. As a result, the number of Hillels with a dedicated mental health or wellness professional has grown from 13 to 20 in 2023. Having these professionals in place allows campus Hillels to more quickly provide support to students and staff.
Immediately after October 7th, UC Berkeley Hillel’s on-campus clinician created a resource to help parents talk with their college students about the terrorist attack and the increase in antisemitism on campus. Additionally, the Emergency Campus Grants for Mental Health & Wellness have provided over $140,000 to 87 campus Hillels so far, funding student wellness programs and clinical support for students and staff.
As Hillel professionals prepared to gather for the 2023 Hillel International Global Assembly, the Hillel International Center for Student and Staff Wellbeing was acutely aware of the need for programming and spaces for Hillel professionals to heal and rest together after an incredibly challenging semester. From a wellness lounge focused on rest and processing to conference care kits, Hillel professionals were given the opportunity to unwind, destress, and receive a taste of the care that they have been providing to their students.
“Having the opportunity to interact with the puppies truly brought a sense of calm to a hectic time for those working in the Jewish professional world right now. The moment I saw Sasha the pug I knew she was coming home with me!” – Melina Ramirez
One of the most talked about opportunities at HIGA 2023 was a partnership with Dallas Dog, an organization that rescues and rehabilitates abandoned dogs and facilitates adoption. The volunteer-run organization wanted to show-up and support the Jewish community, so they jumped at the chance to provide puppy cuddling sessions to conference attendees. “During this time of upheaval in the world we wanted to do something positive to show our support for the Jewish community.” said Deana Varner, Dallas Dog Medical Coordinator. “Puppies are natural therapy and that is what we could do to help. All of our volunteers said it was the best event they had ever attended and it brought tears to their eyes as they saw the joy in so many faces.”
As Hillel professionals welcome students back for a new semester, Hillel International continues to sustain and expand resources for the much-needed mental health and wellness work being done on campuses across the world. For more information on Hillel International’s Center for Student and Staff Well-being, please contact [email protected].