Survey: Antisemitism in schools since 7 October 2023 Update

Since 7 October 2023, the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand has received a significantly increased number of formal complaints about antisemitic incidents in schools. The nature of the incidents is highly concerning. We have provided support to families and offered programmes to schools, some of which have taken up those offers. We are also working with several other schools and teachers on preventative measures. We know anecdotally that the issue of antisemitism in schools is much broader than the formal complaints we have received.

To better quantify the problem, to ensure schools are appropriately dealing with antisemitism and putting steps in place to reduce the likelihood of those incidents happening in the first place, in November 2023 HCNZ launched a survey for parents of school-aged children to complete if they had or had not experienced antisemitism in their schools. We are also engaging with the government, the Ministry of Education, the Human Rights Commission, and other organisations about the issue, how wide-ranging and severe it is, and what they need to do urgently as a consequence.

We are now conducting a follow-up survey.

This can be completed anonymously, but only one survey per family. Please also forward the survey to Jewish friends with school-aged children.

If you completed our first survey and do not have additional information there is no need for you to complete this follow-up. However, if you have new information to report please complete and submit the details.

The survey will close on 1 July 2024.

When we talk about antisemitism, we refer to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition: “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.”

Question Title

* 1. Did you take part in the previous survey?

Yes

Question Title

* 2. If you answered the previous survey, are you providing new information?

Yes

Question Title

* 3. How many school-aged children do you have?

Question Title

* 4. What are their ages?

5 - 7

8 - 10

11 - 13

14 - 18

Question Title

* 5. What region are you in?

Question Title

* 6. Using the IHRA Definition, have any of your children been exposed to antisemitism at school since 7 October?

Yes

Question Title

* 7. If you answered Yes to the previous question, what is the age of the first child exposed to antisemitic incidents?

Question Title

* 8. In defining the incident of antisemitism this child experienced, which IHRA example would you select (use as many as you need to describe the incident (s))

Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews in the name of a radical ideology or an extremist view of religion.

Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as collective — such as, especially but not exclusively, the myth about a world Jewish conspiracy or of Jews controlling the media, economy, government or other societal institutions.

Accusing Jews as a people of being responsible for real or imagined wrongdoing committed by a single Jewish person or group, or even for acts committed by non-Jews.

Denying the fact, scope, mechanisms (e.g. gas chambers) or intentionality of the genocide of the Jewish people at the hands of National Socialist Germany and its supporters and accomplices during World War II (the Holocaust).

Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust.

Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interests of their own nations.

Denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.

Applying double standards by requiring of Israel a behaviour not expected or demanded of any other democratic nation.

Using the symbols and images associated with classic antisemitism (e.g., claims of Jews killing Jesus or blood libel) to characterize Israel or Israelis.

Drawing comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis.

Holding Jews collectively responsible for actions of the state of Israel.

Other

Question Title

* 9. Please provide any additional information about the incidents, should you wish

Question Title

* 10. What is the age of your second child exposed to antisemitic incidents?

Question Title

* 11. In defining the incident of antisemitism this child experienced, which IHRA example would you select (use as many as you need to describe the incident (s))