JFS Tributes- Dec. 2025
JFS Acknowledgements- Dec. 2025
The Charlotte Jewish News- February 2026- Page 24
When Violence Reverberates: The Mental Health Toll of Recent Tragedies
By Howard Olshansky
I am writing this article following a series of violent and deeply disturbing events that transpired in December. The deadly antisemitic attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, the mass shooting at Brown University and the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, will have a cumulative effect on mental health— especially within Jewish communities. These events remind us that violence doesn’ t just take lives; it disrupts psychological security, intensifies anxiety, and has enduring effects on our collective well-being.
The tragic attack at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach was just one more incident highlighting the ongoing Antisemitic violence our world has been experiencing, especially since Hamas’ attack in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.
For Jewish individuals and families, such violence isn’ t just another headline— it’ s a visceral threat to identity, belonging, and physical safety. Studies consistently show that targeted hate violence amplifies symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder( PTSD) among affected communities. The fear of being targeted
simply for one’ s religious identity can lead to chronic stress, hypervigilance, and a pervasive sense of insecurity.
Communities facing sustained threats of hate-based violence often develop what experts call a“ collective trauma.” This goes beyond individual distress, affecting communal rituals, religious participation, and the intergenerational transmission of psychological security.
Just days before the Bondi attack, a mass shooting at Brown University left two students dead and nine others wounded. Though not explicitly identified as antisemitic, the Brown shooting nonetheless contributes to a widening sense of vulnerability on U. S. college campuses.
Mass shootings— especially in academic settings— disrupt not only the immediate victims but the entire campus psyche. Survivors and bystanders often experience survivor’ s guilt, fear of return, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating symptoms commonly associated with PTSD. This impact often creates ongoing fear and anxiety for parents, school staff and students regarding their continued safety.
The stabbing death of beloved actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife by their own son has dominated media attention for different reasons— but it also has psychological ramifications. Reiner, a prominent Jewish public figure, who had publicly supported Jewish causes and spoke about resilience in the face of antisemitism, represented— for many— a symbol of cultural and moral leadership.
While this violent act may be rooted in familial and individual dynamics rather than broader hate, the emotional impact on the public— especially Jewish communities still mourning Bondi Beach— is significant. Prominent deaths can act as flashpoints for anxiety, especially when they intersect with community rituals like Hanukkah, religious identity, and preexisting fears about rising anti-Jewish violence. For communities already on edge, loss of public figures can intensify feelings of grief, vulnerability, and cultural
insecurity.
Taken together, these events illustrate how violence— even when distinct in motive and context— can accumulate into widespread distress. When hate crimes occur alongside mass shootings and high-profile murders, the psychological impacts are not isolated.
Mental health professionals emphasize that the accumulation of stressors can overwhelm individual coping capacities. Symptoms of anxiety may increase, community gatherings may feel risky rather than restorative, and individuals may withdraw socially. For Jewish individuals who identify with both community and religious rituals, the timing of the Bondi attack during a major holiday— and public reminders like Reiner’ s Hanukkah message— can make emotional processing more complex.
Yet there is also evidence of
collective resilience. In the wake of such tragedies, communities often mobilize support networks, petition for policy changes, and engage in collective mourning, a process that can foster solidarity and healing. Rituals of remembrance, public vigils, and explicit political and social responses to hate can help communities reclaim a sense of control.
Addressing the mental health impacts of these events requires both individual and systemic responses. Accessible mental health care is essential. Universities and workplaces must invest in trauma-informed care and robust safety protocols. Governments and law enforcement should address not only violence prevention but also the fear and uncertainty that follow.
Violence leaves visible scars— but the invisible mental health toll can be just as enduring. Healing, resilience, and community support are not merely therapeutic goals; they are essential for rebuilding trust in society’ s capacity to protect and nurture its members.
Jewish Family Services is dedicated to strengthening and empowering individuals and families through professional counseling, programs and services that are inspired by Jewish values. Our goal is to improve quality of life regardless of race, religion, ethnic background or sexual orientation.
Engaging • Connecting • Healing
JFS Tributes- Dec. 2025
Happy Birthday
Marty Goldfarb Stuart and Eleanor Bantit Marc Titlebaum David and Muriel Lintz
Happy Chanukah
Ashley Goldberg Ruth Goldberg Jonny Goldberg Ruth Goldberg Michael Goldberg Ruth Goldberg
In Honor of
Judy Kaufmann Harry and Gloria Lerner
Volunteers:
Brian Ablitz, Jessica Alfandary, Marcia Arnholt, Mike Arnholt, Daniel Benjamin, Andrew Bernstein, Dan Coblenz, Jonathan Collman, Judy Conly, Andrea Cronson, Erica Davison, Julie Dermack, Elayne De- Maria, Joni Deutsch, Sheryl Effren, Rachel Friedman, Meredith Gartner, Marty Goldfarb, Blair Goldsmith, Richard Goldsmith, Joann Goldstein, Jennifer Golynsky, Daryl Greenberg, Gail Halverson, Lane Henkin, Rebecca Hockfield, Bob Jacobson, Jennifer Koss, Stephanie Kreitman, Glenn Kunkes, Marcia Lampert, Eric Lerner, Kim Levy, Adina Loewensteiner, Matt Luftglass, Susie Meier, Terry Meyers, Frada Mozenter, Barbara Rein, Nina Rose, Dionne Sands, Cindy Siesel, Stuart Singer, Lisa Somerson, Harry Sparks, Lauren Stark, Lorin Stiefel, Steve Teich, Nancy Wielunski, Amanda Zaidman, Jeff Zaleon Food Drives: Jewish Heritage Chapter of the Cultural and Heritage Network at Bank of America, Charlotte Jewish Preschool
Thank you to our Senior Chanukah Party Volunteers: Charlotte Jewish Day School, Charlotte Jewish Preschool, Jessica Alfandary, Regina Ameli, Jimmy Clonoris, Dan Coblenz, Judy Conly, Melissa Duller, Liz Erenberg, Rob Friedman, Sheryl Gerrard, Richard Goldsmith,
In Memory of
Barbara Levin Sanford and Lois Benjamin, Robyn Benjamin Joel and Paulette Cohen Paul and Lynn Edelstein Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte- Adam Kolett Leonard and Judy Marco Bob Abel Dan and Nancy Coblenz Steve Horowitz Myron and Lynn Slutsky
Mazel Tov
Gabriel Allen’ s Bar Mitzvah Earl and Tamara Norman
JFS Acknowledgements- Dec. 2025
Jennifer Golynsky, Leon Golynsky, Gail Halverson, Lane Henkin, Rebecca Hockfield, Fatima Ismayilova, Jodie Joseph, Tetiana Kasper, Etti Krausse, Sabrina Malkemus, Adennia Malkemus, Cindy Siesel, Marc Sololowicz, Lisa Somerson, Lauren Stark, Dina Wiel, Barry Woll, Luis Yaquian
Live Laugh Give Volunteers: Annie Brackis, Meredith Baumstein, Andrew Bernstein, Andrea Cronson, Rachel Friedman, Blair Goldsmith, Tamar Goldblatt, Kevine Levine, Rachel Peterson, Andrew Rosen, Karen Silver, Louis SInkoe, Alyssa Wilen
Hadassah Meal Preppies: Cheryl Alley, June and Paul Hirschmann, Johnson and Wales, Melissa Glevssner, Susan Helfgott, Penny Krieger, Barbara Minkoff, Fran Samarel, Helene Schilian, Janette Schwartz, Renee Tighe, Elissa Vining, Rachel Weiss-Fuentes, Temple Kol Ami
Shalom Green: Thank to all Shalom Green volunteers for providing fresh produce to our pantry clients.
Food Pantry Donations: To our generous community: Thank you for continuing to donate to the food pantry. We continue to collect donations every other Wednesday at the portico entrance to the Blumenthal Center for Jewish Education Building on Shalom Park.