Dear Jewish Kids

Dear Jewish Kids is Eitan Chitayat’s message to Jewish children growing up in a frightening and confusing time. Created with Michael Abel after October 7, the film speaks directly to young Jews who may be facing antisemitism, fear or hostility, reminding them that they are loved, that they are not alone and that being Jewish is something to be proud of. It is a simple message of reassurance, identity and strength – for Jewish kids, and for the parents and communities standing behind them.

Watch the film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NKVpq3OGn9Q

Key takeaways

Jewish children should know that they are loved and not alone.
Being Jewish is something to be proud of, not something to hide.
Antisemitism does not define Jewish identity.
Jewish identity comes from family, history, culture, values and community.
It is okay to feel afraid, but fear should not decide who you are.
Adults have a responsibility to help Jewish children feel safe, supported and proud.

FAQs

What is Dear Jewish Kids about?

It is a message from Eitan Chitayat to Jewish children about love, belonging, resilience and pride in who they are.

What is the main message?

You are loved, you are not alone, and being Jewish is something to be proud of.

Why has it resonated with parents and educators?

Because it gives adults a simple, direct way to reassure Jewish children and remind them that their identity is a source of strength.

SCRIPT

Hey, Jewish kids.

I imagine right now must be a very confusing and scary time. Just like for my two kids.

I wish with every fiber of my being, just like your parents do, that this madness in the world wasn’t happening. But it is now.

Three years ago, You encountered something that none of us had to encounter in our lives. Not as your parents and even grandparents. A rogue virus that turned your world upside down and put into lockdown. It was a scary time as well.

But here we are again, without masks and able to meet up as friends at schools, parties, functions, something that we couldn’t imagine at the beginning of the COVID outbreak. But it passed. It went away.

And then on the 7 October 2023, another virus broke out, one of Jew hatred of antisemitism. And you saw your parents watching your TV in horror, your family and your friends.

And maybe you’re wondering, how could this have happened?

How could such unimaginable things that you’ve been hearing about happen? How could people do such terrible things to other people?

Well, every year on Purim, you learn about Chaman, an evil man who wanted to kill the Jews until Queen Esther and her uncle Mordehai stopped him by getting the help of the king.

Sadly, this is no different. It’s the reboot, the 2023 version of the same story.

But listen, just like the ending of the COVID virus, this virus of hate that you’re hearing about will also die down. It won’t disappear completely unfortunately, because it’s always been there.

It was there when we were Pharaoh’s slaves in ancient Egypt.

It was there during the Spanish Inquisition, which you might learn about the pogroms of Europe and the Faud in Iraq, in the Holocaust.

And it’ll be there for generations to come, possibly likely forever.

It’s a madness that never completely dies.

But it’ll recede at some point and life will assume its normal ebb and flow.

Time, as you will learn, is a great healer.

The human spirit recovers and awful memories fade. They’re not forgotten, but they fade just enough so we can live normal lives.

It’s how we go on. It’s why we are still here.

After around 5000 years, the oldest and most ancient religion, the tribe of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the tribe of David, of Solomon, of Moses.

We endure the Jewish people, we survive, and ultimately we thrive.

We just always do.

It won’t be an easy time. It’s going to be very difficult because a lot of people hate us for nothing we’ve ever really done. And for haters, that’s a tough pill to swallow. For others who accept us for who we are, and there are many, it’s actually celebrated.

Think about it.

The pharaohs are gone.

The Caesars are gone.

Both giant empires that enslaved us, gone. But we’re still here. Our enemies don’t like that. In fact, it drives them insane. But their hatred is also their poison.

And the more they drink it, the more quickly they’ll disappear.

Whether you’re spiritual, religious or not, the universe loves light.

It loves positivity, creativity and joy.

It doesn’t respond to hate. It doesn’t reward hate. Hate kills itself off on its own. Bye bye.

So let me say this to you. You don’t hate. You can feel sorry for the haters. Their time will be short. Don’t let them make you feel less of yourself. Their hate is their problem.

It has nothing to do with you or anything you’ve done or your forefathers, right back to the beginning of our time.

Be proud of your beautiful traditions. Be proud of your heritage. Embrace your identity.

Your parents love you. Your grandparents love you. Your family and friends love you. And your community loves you.

And there are many, many people, far more than you’ll ever know, who love you. From all races, all religions, and ethnicities. You might not hear it, but trust me, they are there.

Millions of good people in the world who will find their voice and who will stand up against this hatred. Many who were and are blind but will now begin to see.

So have faith. Go on. Be positive. Have fun. Laugh even through tears you might have.

There is an enduring truth to the saying, “This, too, shall pass”.

But it’s not just a saying, because it will.

You will survive and thrive.

Be positive. Look forward again. Be kind. Be generous. And don’t forget to smile.

Even though I don’t know many of you, I kind of do, because I was once a Jewish kid as well.

Just like you.