West Orange Parents Hope Son’s Suicide Can Help Others Seek Treatment

WEST ORANGE, NJ — Eric Eliezer Levenson suffered in silence. But his mother and father want to make sure that his suicide will give a voice to others who are fighting the same battles that their son faced.

In memory of their son, Eta and Mark Levenson of West Orange recently attended a dedication ceremony for the new Eric Eliezer Levenson Treatment Room at the Jewish Family Service MetroWest. And with their display of courage and heartbreaking sorrow at losing their son, the Levensons hope that they can help anyone considering suicide to realize that they aren’t alone.

“After a 14-year battle with depression, our beloved son Eric Eliezer, took his own life on Feb. 4, 2016, at the age of 28,” Eta and Mark Levenson said in a joint statement.

“Eric suffered in silence. We, his family, are committed to continuing Eric’s legacy and ensuring that others not suffer in silence. By dedicating this treatment room at JFS MetroWest, we hope others will receive the professional assistance they need.”

In addition to funding for the new treatment room, the Levensons also made a previously announced gift to support annual JFS programming in the MetroWest Jewish community related to the stigma of mental health, including understanding the potential impact of anxiety and depression and educational programming in the area of suicide prevention.

“JFS MetroWest will strive to preserve Eric’s memory and honor his life,” pledged Marion Medow, president of the JFS Board of Trustees.

For more information about Jewish Family Service and the mental health services the organization provides, call (973) 765-9050 or visit www.jfsmetrowest.org.

• See related article: More NJ Teens Are Committing Suicide: Why It's Happening And What Can Be Done

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Photos: Jewish Family Service MetroWest

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