MIGDAL EMUNAH
Everyone is wishing each other a sweet new year. They smile and wish everyone good Yomtov. They listen when the rabbi speaks, they chat to their neighbours, they share a meal with their loved ones. They dip a slice of apple into honey.
It can feel like everyone is doing exactly the same thing.
Whatever the past year has meant for Jewish people across the spectrum of the community, wherever they like to go to synagogue, the new year will bring some version of the same thing.
Not for everyone, though.
And so, these words are written to those who were sexually abused. For whom the coming year isn’t sweet, for whom home or shul isn’t a safe place, for whom Yomtov is a time full of triggers, trauma, and struggle.
These words are written for those in our community who carry their pain around with them, who are forgotten in the cheery celebrations, who cannot face having to smile yet again in front of more people who just don’t understand. These words are for you.
Migdal Emunah is here for those who don’t feel part of the celebrations and the hope. They say: “We don’t know your story but we do know hundreds like it and we know
We will walk with you as you turn around and defy the odds’
that despite any apparent similarities, every survivor is unique.
“We will meet you in whichever headspace you are in at the moment.
We will sit with you until you are ready to take our hand, and we will walk with you as you turn around and defy the odds.
“We won’t underestimate you, and we won’t underestimate the impact trauma has on people. We are here. You can also have a sweet new year.”
Helpline: 03330 064 898
migdalemunah.org.uk Registered charity 1150835