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6 October 2023

Last update:31 October 2023

Antisemitism is on the rise in Europe and globally, threatening Jewish individuals and communities, as well as the very fabric of democracy and the security of societies. Challenging this growing threat starts with education. UNESCO launched a series of tailored workshops in EU member states to help educators and policy-makers effectively act against antisemitic hate and discrimination in and out of classroom.

The first training in a row united 50 school directors and teacher trainers across Croatia on 26 September 2023 in Zagreb. This initiative, in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Education and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, is part of a 2-year project on tackling antisemitism through education, funded by the European Union.

Urgency to act
Reports show that every second European considers antisemitism a problem, with 44% of young Jewish Europeans experiencing antisemitic harassment. The European Commission's Strategy for combating antisemitism highlights education as a key element of the prevention and response. It specifically supports the professional training of educators, teacher trainers and policy makers on addressing antisemitism and in cooperation with UNESCO and the OSCE/ODIHR.

“Antisemitism is a threat first and foremost to the Jews, but also to democracy and the values we share. This training will empower school directors and educators to have a decisive impact on the next generation of Croatians by ensuring they will understand the values of democracy and equality”, said Katharina von Schnurbein, EU Envoy on antisemitism, in her opening remarks.

Main barriers
Both teachers and learners are not safe from anti-Jewish or other bias-based stereotypes, prejudice, and conspiracy theories. Educators may lack specific knowledge on the topic, which affects their confidence to act on antisemitic incidents in schools – especially when they are not the homeroom teachers of the students in question. Logically, integrating education about intolerance and discrimination into their respective subjects can also require sufficient time and resources.

The workshop explored what educators need to know about the problem and change in their teaching approaches to make school spaces safe and inclusive for all and strengthen students' resilience against antisemitism. Sessions also covered policy frameworks, pedagogical strategies and follow-up initiatives for integrating education about antisemitism into curricula and lessons.

The workshop benefited from the strong partnership of the Ministry of Science and Education of Croatia which brought together participants from across the country.

“Addressing antisemitism is an immediate security imperative and a long-term investment in promoting human rights and global citizenship. We are all responsible for constant sensitization and education of youth and adults. Teaching about the Holocaust has an important place in teaching against antisemitism, because if we allow forgetfulness to take hold of our young generations, in ignorance antisemitism could reach dangerous proportions”, said Radovan Fuchs, Minister of Science, Education and Sports of Croatia.

Possible solutions
One of the solutions to address growing antisemitism is to include an accurate representation of Jewish history, life and culture across various subjects. To explain the real dangers of antisemitism, participatory teaching approaches are just as critical.

“Reflecting on your own biases and talking with students about their attitudes without preaching is always the right choice. Listening to other people’s perspectives, getting to know others is the best way to dismantle stereotypes and prejudice[IA1] [NL2] [IA3] ”, says Ksenija Rumora, primary school teacher in Osijek, Croatia, and one of our workshop participants.

Enforcing clear action policies against antisemitic and other types of prejudice-based incidents in schools is integral to the solution. However, the linkages between this crucial obligation and the real consequences antisemitism has on education and students’ wellbeing are often unclear to the teachers.

“Education is our first and most powerful line of defense to prevent, deconstruct and counter hatred and discrimination. UNESCO’s mission is to prepare well-informed, bold and transformational school leaders that can build the structures, ethos and values needed to address the growing threat of antisemitism and other forms of hate”, said Siniša Šešum, Head of Antenna in Sarajevo, UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe.

https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-trains-educators-eu-better-address-antisemitism-intolerance-and-discrimination?hub=87862