As we head into the new school year and the fall frenzy begins, Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ wants to wish all students a good, safe, and healthy school year filled with learning, growth, and opportunity.
As we saw during the last school year, the rise in antisemitism in our local K-12 public and private secular schools is worrisome and alarming for many of our families. We want you to know that we have a team at Federation that is here to listen, advocate for, and support you and your family as you navigate this new year.
Over the years, and additionally after October 7, our Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and Department of Holocaust Education have been working with school officials across our five counties to ensure that they have the support to combat and educate not only on antisemitism and the Holocaust but also on Judaism and the long and rich history of the Jewish people.
Throughout this school year, we will continue to work with the schools to ensure that they:
- Strongly condemn any acts of antisemitism, including delegitimizing Israel and the atrocities of October 7.
- Publish and communicate clear guidelines that make it clear and explicit that antisemitism will not be tolerated and outline the procedures for reporting antisemitism and other hate speech.
- Ensure that teachers and students who engage in such acts face consequences and receive education on the effects of antisemitism and hate speech.
- Introduce curricula that promote tolerance and understanding, respect diversity, and provide age-appropriate instruction in critical thinking about complex topics. Remove and do not introduce curricula that demonize Israel or Jews. Enhance Holocaust and antisemitism instruction.
We are also proud to have a multitude of programs to offer to our local schools.
- Our Department of Holocaust Education can assist in bringing speakers, multi-dimensional conversations with survivors and offer trips to Holocaust museums. Find more information here or contact Trish DiPette at [email protected].
- Student to Student is a peer education program that strives to reduce prejudice and bigotry by putting a human face to Judaism. Jewish teens talk about being Jewish with their non-Jewish peers, a powerful tool to dismantle antisemitism. Contact Avi Siegel, Director of Teen Initiatives, at [email protected] for more information.
- Federation also provides individual guidance and assistance to Jewish school employees, students, and their families who are encountering challenges related to their Jewish identity. Contact Ilyse Shainbrown, Director of Holocaust Education and Combatting Antisemitism Coordinator, at [email protected] for assistance.
- Research shows that one-on-one conversations are among the most influential sources of information on the conflict and rising antisemitism. Keeping lines of communication open with interested friends provides a safe space for complex discussions. For resources and guidance, check out our antisemitism toolkit.
Again, your friends at Federation wish you a fantastic, healthy, and safe start to the new school year, and we look forward to connecting with you in the coming weeks.