This week has brought a distressing and terrifying reality: Our country has found itself in an all-out war – the first in the lifetime of the country’s children and teens.
These devastating circumstances have an enormous impact on every aspect of society. However, it’s crucial to understand how these chaotic times affect teens’ emotional and psychological well-being.
Amid the chaos and uncertainty, there is a glimmer of hope in the volunteering efforts, where teenagers, including myself, are finding comfort and hoping to make a significant difference in their communities.
The emotions of living through war
Even for these first few days, living through a war is a profoundly traumatic experience for teens. The constant fear of sirens, air raids, and the sound of explosions will likely leave deep scars on our mental and emotional well-being. The loss of loved ones, the displacement of families, and the destruction of homes add layers of suffering and grief to a stage of life that is already difficult.
One of the most prominent emotions I’ve experienced as a 16-year-old living in Israel is fear, which has become more intense since the start of the war.
I fear for my safety, my family’s safety, our brave soldiers fighting to protect us, and an uncertain future. This constant state of worry has led to stress and anxiety, making it hard to focus on my studies, socialize with friends and family, or enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Anger is another emotion that has surfaced for me during this time.
The frustration of living in an area of violence and witnessing the destruction, suffering, and devastation around me has made my feelings of helplessness grow stronger. Those are made worse by social media, where we teens are constantly being bombarded with scary and disgusting videos and photos of the heinous acts that Hamas carried out against our people.
Worse is the number of people worldwide who support Hamas despite it being a terrorist organization. And who writes things like “Free Palestine” under videos of Hamas terrorists slaughtering babies?
It makes me resentful and disappointed.
In addition, I feel an enormous sense of guilt.
I feel guilty for having a relatively normal life compared to many of my friends who have to endure much more significant hardships than I am, living in areas that have been infiltrated, or having numerous family members and/or friends called up to fight.
Volunteering to help Israel in times of war
WITH ALL these emotions, it’s still important to recognize that every citizen has a way of helping our country.
Amid the chaos and emotional suffering, volunteering can offer a lifeline for many Israeli teenagers. Volunteering allows us to channel our emotions into positive action while giving a sense of purpose.
The war in Israel will undoubtedly take a heavy toll on teenagers, who must navigate the complex emotions of fear, anger, and guilt. However, seeing how many teenagers and Israeli citizens are already finding solace and purpose in volunteering has been heartening.
Volunteering provides tangible help to those affected by the war and offers teenagers a means of coping with their emotional struggles. As a society, supporting and encouraging these initiatives is crucial, enabling teens or anyone who wants to volunteer to do as much as they can to help.
This week, I called people living in and around my neighborhood to provide a listening ear.
As a teen, listening to people in distress or mourning during the war has been both a profound and a challenging experience.
I never imagined myself being in such a role at this age. However, the urgency of the circumstance compelled me to act and offer assistance. So, when I saw a post asking for volunteers in a community WhatsApp group, I said I would give it a try.
The backdrop of conflict and loss has made every conversation emotionally charged and deeply impactful. It’s a delicate balance of providing a compassionate ear, offering solace, and trying to comprehend each caller’s complex mix of grief, anger, and fear.
Despite the weight of the circumstances, the resilience and strength of the people I’ve had the privilege to connect with have inspired me immensely. This experience is teaching me the invaluable lesson of the power of empathy and solidarity during times of crisis, and I am sure it will leave a permanent mark on my teenage years.
The sheer number of people killed and the amount of terror will likely forever affect the nation, especially us teenagers, who live through it in our formative years.
But the number of people I am seeing step up to help highlights the resilience of the people of Israel and our capacity for compassion. These acts should also help us heal.
Volunteering has given me a sense of connection, hope, and inspiration that sooner than later, we will see better days and have the power to help ourselves have a brighter future.