In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, inSIGHT Through Education hosted a podcast conversation on the connection between student mental health, antisemitism, the impact of words, and how students can become upstanders.
The episode, “Creating Safe & Supportive School Communities,” was hosted by Roneet Edrich, Executive Director of inSIGHT Through Education and featured Kim Coombs, Holocaust Education and Jewish Studies Program Planner for the School District of Palm Beach County; Dr. Elaine Rotenberg, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer at Alpert Jewish Family Service; and Dr. Iris Kiner, Director of Jewish Community Connections and Licensed Psychologist at Alpert Jewish Family Service.
Panelists discussed how hate, bias, exclusion, and discrimination can affect a student’s emotional well-being, sense of belonging, self-esteem, and ability to learn. They emphasized that schools are not only places of academic instruction, but also essential environments where students must feel safe, supported, connected, and respected.
Coombs highlighted programs such as Words Matter and the district’s expanding No Place for Hate initiative, which help students reflect honestly, build empathy, and understand how their words and actions affect their peers. These programs are made possible through the support and funding of inSIGHT Through Education, whose mission is to foster kindness, acceptance, and respect among students of all backgrounds.
“Schools play an incredibly important role not only in education, but in helping students feel safe, supported, connected, and respected,” said Edrich. “Through this conversation, we wanted to create awareness, share guidance, and highlight the importance of education, early intervention, and supportive environments in schools and communities.”
From a mental health perspective, Dr. Kiner explained that repeated exposure to hate, bullying, or discrimination can have a serious emotional impact on children and teens as they develop their identities, relationships, and self-esteem. She encouraged adults to watch for signs such as anxiety, anger, aggression, withdrawal, school avoidance, or changes in behavior.
Dr. Rotenberg offered guidance for parents navigating conversations about hate, antisemitism, discrimination, or frightening world events. She emphasized that parents do not need to have perfect answers, but they do need to create safe spaces where children feel comfortable asking questions and sharing concerns.
Despite the seriousness of the topic, the conversation ended with hope. Panelists pointed to students who are becoming more engaged, more willing to speak openly, and more prepared to lead with empathy.
“At inSIGHT Through Education, we remain committed to supporting programs and partnerships that strengthen school communities through education, early intervention, acceptance, understanding, and respect,” said Edrich. “inSIGHT Through Education is dedicated to creating upstanders and when students feel safe, valued, connected, and supported, they are better able to learn, grow, and help create a kinder future.”
About inSIGHT Through Education
inSIGHT Through Education is a nonprofit, nonsectarian organization with a mission to inspire and educate, encouraging kindness, acceptance, and respect for all, using lessons learned from the Holocaust and other genocides, to recognize and oppose antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. inSIGHT is the backbone of Holocaust Education in Palm Beach County Schools, which is mandated in Florida, along with the study of antisemitism. inSIGHT knows that education is the key to change and is committed to opening the hearts and minds of young people, our future leaders. Learn more at insightthrougheducation.org
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