Emotional Support Narwhals

An unusual way of coping with the challenges of war

Life changes in all kinds of different ways for different people during this war. There’s pretty much been no school, and although there’s been some lovely weather, most people do not want to take their kids anywhere where there’s no shelter within reach. Seeing videos of ballistic missiles blazing down from the skies and blasting into the ground has that effect.

Public outdoor attractions like zoos, which cannot provide shelter within reach, are closed. The Biblical Museum of Natural History, like all indoor institutions, is allowed to be open, but is restricted to hosting no more visitors than we can fit at one time in our shelter, as in the photo below. This enormously limits the number of visitors that we can receive every day. (And if you would like to visit the museum, such as during Chol HaMoed, please note that due to these limitations you must book in advance.)

Still, the visitors who are coming have been deeply grateful. Again and again, we hear how meaningful it is to step into a place that offers not just inspiration and education, but a sense of calm, joy, and even healing.

When a siren sounds, the staff moves everyone into the safe room, but the experience doesn’t stop. Our guides continue teaching. Children find comfort in cuddling with our unusual stuffed creatures that we keep in the safe room for this purpose. (By “stuffed” I mean plush, not the taxidermy specimens in our exhibit halls!) These include a particularly loveable narwhal, the creature that contributed to the unicorn legend. This turns what can be a moment of stress, with booms overhead, into one of connection and discovery.

In times like these, the museum is more than just a place to visit. It becomes a refuge, a classroom, and a source of resilience. But of course, the steep limits on our ability to welcome visitors for so many weeks means an enormous loss of income. It’s a very challenging time.

If you feel inspired to help us continue to provide this unique and meaningful experience, your support will make a real difference. You can donate at this link. Thank you!