As a new school year begins, Jewish students and their families are re-entering environments where they may face on-campus antisemitism harassment and/or discrimination. To help prepare, our colleagues at StandWithUs have important advice and resources for Jewish students, parents, and community members:
What defines antisemitic harassment?
Antisemitic harassment is any harmful or offensive behavior that targets Jewish individuals. This can include verbal abuse, vandalism, threats, or acts of violence motivated by hatred or prejudice against Jewish people.
What defines antisemitic discrimination?
Antisemitic discrimination involves treating Jewish individuals differently because of their Jewish identity. This can include exclusion from activities such as school clubs, unequal treatment in academic settings, or social ostracization.
Some common examples of antisemitism we see on-campus include:
- Excluding Jewish students from clubs or activities because of their real or perceived support for Israel
- Teachers and peers sharing one-sided opinions on the current Israel-Hamas war
- Expecting Jewish students to speak on behalf of all Jews or the State of Israel
- Anti-Israel activities in schools including posters/stickers, walkouts, anti-Israel speakers, and biased curriculum
- Antisemitic graffiti including swastikas
If you feel you are being targeted for being Jewish, what is the first action and following actions you need to take?
The first step is being able to identify antisemitism in all of its forms. Record all evidence. If you see or hear hate speech, take screenshots of it, save email exchanges, take photos and videos, and keep leaflets or flyers. Report incidents and follow up in writing. Save all emails.
Once you have identified antisemitism, call it out and expect action from your community. Stay calm and respectful at all times, using your passion but avoiding your anger. Condemn actions, ideas, and speech; not people. People get defensive; hateful speech/actions are indefensible.
Finally, offer education. Education is our most important tool for combatting hatred. Students and adults alike can provide educational materials and resources for schools to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Jewish American Heritage Month, and other commemorative days.
What are three pieces of advice a parent or guardian should know about their children returning to school?
- Be proud! Wear your star of David, chai necklace, and dog tag with pride. Having these items on can open conversations and let those around you learn how to be proper allies to the Jewish community.
- Be prepared! Have conversations about the antisemitism you are seeing around the country. Make sure to talk through appropriate responses so that if your student ever experiences an antisemitic incident, they are prepared to address it.
- Be connected! Help students identify peers, teachers, administrators, and student groups that are supportive of Jewish students. Work together proactively to bring education to your school and lean on each other when incidents of antisemitism arise.
A few resources for Jewish students this fall:
StandWithUs’s high school education activism resources: https://www.standwithus.com/hs-education-activism
The StandWithUs Teen Leadership Council, which is open to all high school students and runs each semester. The program brings students together to grow their knowledge of Israel, learn how to effectively combat antisemitism, and develop leadership skills. The TLC members meet virtually 5 times during the semester with StandWithUs professional staff to cover various educational topics and engage with their peers. Students receive mentorship to create a program for their peers at their high schools, school clubs, youth groups, places of worship, or elsewhere. You can find the application for the spring semester TLC cohort by clicking here.
The StandWithUs Kenneth Leventhal High School Internship is a year-long, college-accredited program for student leaders in 11th and 12th grade who want to proactively and positively impact their local schools and communities. Leventhal Interns learn about Israel, how to effectively combat antisemitism, and cultivate leadership skills through personalized mentorship. These student leaders bring education to their peers through interactive and creative initiatives and programs. Leventhal Interns travel to Los Angeles for two leadership conferences throughout the school year. They hear from world-renowned speakers, build relationships with other student leaders, and train with StandWithUs staff members.
