WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers its condolences and support to people who lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks in Israel and to those continuing to suffer the loss of family members, homes, and communities in Israel and in Gaza.
As a member of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), we support our social work colleagues in Israel and in Gaza who are assisting those experiencing grief, trauma, economic uncertainty, illness, and injuries and who are embodying the social work Code of Ethics by enhancing human well-being, promoting social justice, and respecting the inherent dignity and worth of all people.
NASW denounces hate and violence, and our association will advocate against bigotry of all forms.
The October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel have sent ripples around the world, with Jewish people in the United States and other nations growing even more fearful that antisemitism, which had already been on the rise, will worsen.
Palestinians in Gaza are also facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with millions of innocent people experiencing hunger, lack of medical care, homelessness, and risk of death as the war between Israel and Hamas intensifies. NASW supports all humanitarian assistance to help those in need.
Social workers interested in supporting colleagues in the region should contact IFSW. Donations of time or money are needed in the following organizations:
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
Doctors Without Borders
Global Empowerment Mission
International Committee of the Red Cross US (via Geneva)
Save the Children
Global Citizen
Palestine Children's Relief Fund
UNICEF
Norwegian Refugee Council