In the wake of the devastating car crash that claimed the lives of two young girls and a mother in Flatbush over Shabbat, Chai Lifeline’s Sephardic Division has been on the ground providing immediate crisis and trauma support to a shocked and grieving community. Chai Lifeline’s Crisis Services team mobilized to offer guidance, emotional support, and professional mental health interventions. On Motzei Shabbat, more than 250 parents from the children’s school gathered for an intervention session led by Chai Lifeline professionals to better understand how to support their children and navigate their own grief. By Sunday morning, the response continued with specialized support sessions for the children’s teachers and faculty members. A school-wide community intervention is also scheduled for Sunday night, aiming to offer continued guidance to hundreds of students, parents, educators, and local leaders. Rabbi Dr. Dovid Fox, Director of Chai Lifeline Crisis Services, emphasized that while professional psychological care is sometimes necessary, the most critical support often comes from within the home. He offered the following guidelines for parents in the community to help their children cope with the aftermath of such tragedy: Guidance for Parents Following a Tragic Event Be aware of your own reactions. Children learn how to respond to crises by observing the adults around them. Try to remain calm and process your own feelings with another adult before speaking with your children. Devote extra attention. Offer a safe space for your child to express emotions. Let them know that feelings such as fear, sadness, anger, or confusion are natural responses to a difficult situation. Tailor conversations to your child’s age. Use age-appropriate language when discussing the event. Avoid overwhelming younger children with too much detail. Provide brief information and invite them to ask questions. Limit media exposure. Avoid allowing children to view graphic images or reports about the tragedy. Continuous exposure can amplify anxiety and fear, especially in younger children. Maintain normal routines. A return to familiar schedules provides children with a sense of safety and stability. Routine is a powerful, non-verbal message that life continues and they are secure. Watch for signs of distress. Nightmares, regressive behavior, aggression, or persistent sadness are all common after a trauma. If these continue beyond a few weeks or worsen, consider seeking professional help. Be especially attentive to teens. Adolescents may internalize their emotions or express them through changes in behavior. Check in frequently and watch for signs of withdrawal, disrupted sleep, or unusual mood shifts. Take care of yourself. You can best support your children when you’re taking care of your own physical and emotional well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you feel overwhelmed. Chai Lifeline is here to support the community through this difficult time. Our Sephardic Division and Crisis Services teams are continuing to offer interventions, guidance, and compassionate care to all those affected. If you or someone you know are in need of support, please contact Chai Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis line at 1-855-3-CRISIS or email crisis@chailifeline.org.