To Be Children Again

Few anticipated that a JDC program developed to empower elementary school children would be a critical tool that helps children affected by Israel’s security crisis.

In June 2002, a suicide bomber struck the quiet city of Herzliya. This attack was particularly troubling for many of the children at an elementary school situated in close proximity to the site of the attack.  Fortunately, a BodyTalk session was scheduled to take place at the school the next morning.

When Minna, the program professional, arrived for her morning’s session, a crowd of students anxiously greeted her.  Minna opened the session with a simple question: "How do you feel?" 

But the children preferred not to express their feelings verbally.  They chose to use the tools that Minna provided them throughout the year during the BodyTalk sessions.  They asked their teacher to take out all the props, musical instruments and costumes, and set to work.

They led as Minna, a school nurse and a municipal social worker watched – additional staff called in just in case the children were in need of support.  But no such extra assistance was needed.  Through costume and music, the children expressed their feelings.  They acted out the fear, the rage and the sadness they were feeling.  They split up into groups, and play-acted, taking on the roles of the terrorist and innocent bystanders and victims. 

After two hours, the emotionally exhausting session came to an end. The JDC program coordinator was there: "It was amazing to witness the children and their work," says Esty Rozman. "After the session, they were able to go on with the rest of the school day."  The weekly sessions that followed are ensuring that they can go on with their week, the summer, and the year.

Educators and administrators recognize the importance of the program.  "BodyTalk is succeeding where traditional forms of therapy and assistance have failed," explained one school principal.  

The children who participate in BodyTalk are lucky.  But more and more children, tragically, are touched both directly and indirectly by terror.