I write this blog post to recognize that this is a time of deep pain for many of our colleagues, patients, families, and friends. At Burkhart Pediatric & Adolescent Dermatology we believe that every child deserves a childhood free from violence and trauma and have deep concern for the Israeli and Palestinian children and families who are suffering immeasurable losses and hardships right now. We also recognize and extend our thoughts to the Christians, Druze and other minorities who are also suffering and grieving in the region.

We are dedicated to supporting our diverse community and recognize that the conflict is contributing to rising tensions, divisions, fear, and anxiety. This is an extremely difficult time where many of our peers and members of our community have family and loved ones that are being directly impacted by this war. We hope you find our office to be a place where all families feel welcomed and valued, and we all listen to each other with empathy, dignity, and respect.

As media coverage in the U.S. of the war continues and content is shared in social media platforms, children may see upsetting images, videos and messages. For guidance on how to talk with children about what is going on in Israel and Gaza, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has created this resource HealthyChildren.org article [mmaap.mmsend.com]. The AAP has also created information for families about how to shield their children from traumatic events in the news and on social media that can be found here [mmaap.mmsend.com].