Providing emotional support via the telephone during emergency situations has become a well-known and accepted method for helping people. In the past, the telephone was seen as an alienating means of communication. Today, however, most people are intimately attached to their smartphones (which are actually mobile personal computers) and can use them to access many services. Asking for assistance via telephone has become legitimate, and is even more common than face-to-face meetings.
This widespread use of mobile phones can be seen as representing the physical and psychological distance between people in the reality of the twenty-first century. At the same time, mobile phones can bring people together during emergencies and in their aftermath, when security and stability have been severely undermined. Phones can also be used to provide assistance to people who were not directly harmed, and facilitate their efforts to restore a sense of equilibrium. Research has proven that using phones to help people in need is effective, simple, and economical in terms of time and emotional energy.
Israeli citizens have used the Ministry of Welfare’s Open Line service frequently, and it has received positive feedback. In the meantime, the threats of war and terrorism continue. This has led to the conclusion that the Open Line should become an official and professionalized service.

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Crisis and disaster events can evoke overwhelming emotions: anxiety, anger, uncertainty, helplessness, and a sense of threat to our basic safety and security. In addition, for some the events may provoke earlier traumatic memories from a similar situation and/or intensify preexisting emotional difficulties. Crisis events undermine the sense that we have control over our lives, harm social resilience, and raise levels of anxiety and emotional distress among all of us: children, youth, and adults alike. At times, the emotional overload can paralyze us, leading us to close ourselves off and avoid contact with others. However, talking about our most difficult fears and disturbing thoughts can bring a great sense of relief during times of emotional distress.

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In response to COVID-19 and with many Jewish agency facilities closing, canceling or postponing events, remotely
working, and supporting our communities in unique ways, the below information can help provide some simple
crime prevention tips and best practices through low cost/no cost measures.

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Our community organizations are facing conditions unlike many have ever experienced. Responsible measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak have led thousands of facilities, including synagogues, community centers, schools, senior centers, camps and workplaces to close down, cease, or severely limit their operations. Organizations and facilities must consider how to reopen so that they can efficiently and safely resume fulfilling the vital roles they play, from offering social to spiritual services to our community and the public at large. This guidance – along with a comprehensive suite of materials currently in development and scheduled for release soon – is intended to assist organizations as they consider when and how they will reopen. This document presents initial considerations for facilities planning for or considering reopening and resuming all levels of operations. It should be considered illustrative of the most common issues, concerns and focus areas that organizations and facilities are working to address. Utilized as part of a comprehensive strategy around safety, security, health and welfare, this can be a valuable tool in outlining key considerations. This document will be updated as new best practices and information dictate and allow, to include U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local guidelines, as available.

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A series of informational posters in English, designed by the Union of Orthodox Synagogues in South Africa for billboard posting in shuls. The posters contain various public health regulations relating to responsible conduct during the coronavirus pandemic.

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A short video by Access Israel which provides impoertant insights on how to provide accessible medical services during the Corona crisis to people with disabilities and the elderly.

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This podcast focuses on addressing the transition of first responders from work to home, and the importance of setting boundaries, developing rituals and coping mechanisms to separate one’s work life from home life. Featuring Sherry Campanelli, Manager of the Mother/Baby Department at The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood New Jersey and Terry Hoben, Emergency Medical Services Coordinator for University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey.

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Preparedness in cities and other urban settlements is critical for effective national, regional and global responses to COVID-19. These settings face unique dynamics that affect preparedness – they serve as travel hubs, have a higher risk of disease spread due to high population densities, and many have extensive public transport networks.

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Safety Guidelines in light of COVID-19 pandemic as it was published by the Canadian Government

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