How Do We Explain the Continuous Killing of Jews on Holidays to Our Young Jewish Children?
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Discover how to compassionately explain the ongoing persecution of Jews to children, with heart-centered guidance, biblical insight from the Torah and the Gospels, and practical tools to nurture faith, hope, and resilience in young hearts.
Quick Summary
Explaining tragedy to children is one of the most challenging tasks a parent can face, especially when the sorrow is tied to our own people. This post helps Messianic Jewish parents and teachers:
Understand how to talk about antisemitism in a way children can grasp.
Use biblical stories and Jesus’ teachings to offer hope and strength.
Teach resilience, faith, and the eternal promises of God.
Provide practical, emotionally safe strategies for talking with young children.
A Story of Pain and Hope
Imagine little Eli, a seven-year-old in Jerusalem. His family lights candles for Hanukkah, fills the home with the smell of latkes, and reads Torah stories aloud. Suddenly, the news blares of yet another attack against Jews somewhere in the world, on a holiday that should have been sacred. Eli’s innocent eyes fill with confusion and fear. “Why do people hate us, Mommy? Why does this keep happening?”
Every parent has faced this question in some form, but answering it requires more than historical facts—it demands heart, faith, and courage. Our children are watching, learning, and absorbing not just the horrors but also the ways we respond to them.
Understanding the Problem: Why Children Struggle
Children’s minds are naturally curious, yet fragile. When exposed to stories of persecution:
They feel unsafe in a world they believe should protect them.
They may internalize guilt or fear, asking, “Did we do something wrong?”
They wrestle with justice: “Where is God in all this?”
We cannot shield them from reality, but we can guide them to see God’s hand, His promises, and His justice even in the darkest times.
Biblical Insights to Build Faith
1. The Old Testament Witness
God has always been with His people through suffering:
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”
These verses show children that God’s care is constant, even when the world feels unsafe.
2. Jesus’ Compassion and Courage
Jesus modeled empathy and strength in the face of suffering:
Matthew 5:4 – “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Children can see that even the Messiah recognized suffering but also offered hope and victory.
How to Explain This to Children
Keep it Simple and Honest
Use age-appropriate language. Avoid overwhelming details.
Focus on the “why” in terms of love and courage, not hatred.
Emphasize God’s Protection and Presence
Teach that God watches over His people always.
Highlight stories from the Torah where God delivers His people from danger (e.g., Exodus 14 – crossing the Red Sea).
Encourage Questions and Dialogue
Invite children to ask anything without fear of judgment.
Affirm their emotions: fear, sadness, or anger are normal.
Model Hope and Action
Pray together for protection, courage, and peace.
Share stories of Jewish resilience and heroism.
Encourage acts of kindness to counter fear and hatred.
Practical Tips for Parents and Teachers
Create a safe ritual: Light a candle for those who are hurting.
Use storytelling: Explain historical events using biblical analogies of God’s faithfulness.
Incorporate prayer: Make prayer a daily practice of protection and gratitude.
Highlight heroes of faith: From Moses to Esther, show children that God equips His people to stand strong.
Teach resilience: Reinforce that while evil exists, God’s love is stronger.
Emotional Hook: Turning Pain into Purpose
Children need not grow up in fear. By connecting them to God’s promises:
They learn courage instead of paranoia.
They grow empathy instead of bitterness.
They see their identity in God, not in the hatred of the world.
As Psalm 27:1 reminds us:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?”
When children see God as their protector, every story of suffering becomes a testimony of hope and divine faithfulness.
Conclusion
Explaining the continuous persecution of Jews on holidays to young children is heart-wrenching. But by grounding conversations in biblical truth, emotional honesty, and active hope, parents can:
Protect children’s hearts without shielding them from reality.
Instill faith that God is always present.
Teach resilience, courage, and love for their Jewish heritage.
Even in a world of suffering, children can grow with a sense of safety, purpose, and deep spiritual roots that carry them through any hardship.
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