As I watched on T.V. the planes flying into the World Trade Center, I was dumbfounded like most people around the world. Terrorism has reared its ugly, deadly, evil head in our safe haven. My safety bubble burst, and I was flooded with old memories and rage from growing up in Israel with constant terrorist threats, and actual acts of terror on innocent civilians.

Victimhood is not an option. Becoming proactive in the war on terror through education and healing its traumas is my way of contributing to the war on terrorism.

Don’t scare children or overexpose them to media. But do educate them, says Balsam, an Israel native who has lost family to terrorist bombs.

School-age children are already aware of the news she says, and infants and toddlers can pick up on your anxiety, or might notice Elmo’s not on.

Maintaining routine is important. Balsam also suggests taking these extra steps:

• Make sure you have a family emergency plan. Designate someone out of the state for family members to call, and know which neighbors to turn to.
• Model confidence and unity. Tell children who are old enough to understand that taking precautions as a family, a community and a country can deter terrorism.
• Talk to each other and pay attention to individual needs. Hugs are always reassuring.
• Get a basic understanding of fundamentalist Islamic terrorism to help explain the why behind the attacks.

The recent, multiple terrorist attacks in London are a grim reminder to us all that terrorism has no boundaries, and that it continues to target innocent people around the world.

The terrorists, most powerful WMD is spreading fear. They use violence to kill and injure innocent civilians. Their acts are unpredictable and allow no time for preparation. When terrorism struck at home, as it did on September 11th, 2001, our country became a war zone and our interest abroad came under attack as well.

In a way, each one of us turned into a soldier, defending our freedom, our life, and the right to maintain them.

A strong and united public is essential during war time. By developing supportive communities, becoming alert to unusual people and behaviors in the community, and preparing for emergencies, the public will greatly contribute to winning the war on terror.

Different segments of the population may require unique consideration. Others may have special contributions to offer. Many retired senior citizens may be of great help before and after a terrorist attack, by volunteering to aid schools and the Red Cross. The community, though, needs to be prepared to help seniors experiencing medical challenges.

Emergency care providers need to be sensitive to the special physical, emotional, and medical needs that some seniors have. At crisis times, even young, sharp minded people experience memory lapses.

The elderly are yet more prone to feeling confused and disoriented. Preparing lists of medications taken, and the times they should be taken, doctors, and relatives names, and phone numbers may help save lives.

Having an extra month’s supply of medication may bring some peace of mind, since during a major emergency the pharmacies may be temporarily shut down. Also, those in need of hearing aids, make sure you have extra batteries handy.

If you or someone you love is a senior, please develop and implement a plan. Make sure that someone close by, who you trust has a copy of this information.

Tips for preparing and surviving a terrorist attack;

• Prepare a family emergency plan.
• Maintain your routine as much as possible.
• Be sensitive to everyone’s needs during, and after an emergency. Hugs are comforting.
• Limit news watching. Repeated viewing reactivates trauma.
• Role model to your children behavior that transmits confidence and unity.
• Teach and allow appropriate expression of anger through physical activity such as walking, jogging, and journaling.
• Laugh, watch comedies, tell jokes, etc.; it helps healing.
• Accept mental health professional help. It may be life saving.
• Pray. Spiritual connection can be a source of comfort.

Unfortunately we have to be constantly alert of the evil forces of terrorism in the world.

Knowledge of the enemy will indeed provide us with tools to prevent many attacks, but not all. The heart-to-heart connection through love, patience, real help and support, and the value of life and freedom are an integral part of overcoming terror.

To heart-to-god connection through prayer will complete the circle of our defeat of terrorism.

Remember, together we can, and will defeat terrorism!