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Jewish pupils face antisemitism in schools
Review calls for school changes to protect Jewish students from antisemitism.
In brief
Review calls for school changes to protect Jewish students from antisemitism. Three in five Jewish pupils have experienced antisemitism in school, prompting a government review to recommend sweeping changes. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Jewish pupils face antisemitism
Three in five Jewish pupils have experienced antisemitism in school, a Government-commissioned review is expected to reveal.
Review set up after MP blocked
The independent review into antisemitism in English schools was set up after Jewish MP Damien Egan's visit to Bristol Brunel Academy was cancelled for 'safety' reasons.
Review expected to make 27 recommendations
The review is expected to make 27 recommendations, including encouraging schools to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism.
Schools need political impartiality guidance
The report calls for strengthened guidance on political impartiality for schools, with heads told to consider the appropriateness of political expressions or identifiers.
Teachers banned from pro-Palestine badges
It is understood this could lead to teachers being reminded not to wear pro-Palestine badges and other partisan symbols.
Survey shows antisemitism underreported
The survey found one in five pupils witnessed antisemitism, and three in five Jewish pupils experienced it, but less than half felt it would be addressed if reported.
Review author notes rising antisemitism
Sir David Bell said he was 'very struck' by the evidence of rising antisemitism in schools and the extent to which it was underreported.
Review author explains antisemitism
He told Sky News: 'What this review has demonstrated is that a general commitment to tackling racism or prejudice or hate has not properly identified antisemitism as a particular kind of hate.'
Review recommends IHRA definition training
The report recommends teachers be trained in awareness of the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, which includes 11 examples of prejudice against Jews.
Antisemitism in online safety policies
The report also says antisemitism should be included in schools' online safety and safeguarding policies.
Media literacy lessons for online antisemitism
Media literacy lessons should be established to aid in recognising and confronting online antisemitism and conspiracy theories.
Holocaust education as central theme
Holocaust education should frame antisemitism as a central, explicit theme of the atrocity.
Modern Judaism in religious education
The report recommends modern-day Judaism should be comprehensively taught in Religious Education classes, with opportunities to engage with the Jewish community.
Staff behaviour policies
Policies on staff behaviour should be clear that antisemitism is not acceptable, with robust reporting and response mechanisms for incidents.
Transport hub campaigns for Jewish schools
The report recommends delivering a communications campaign in transport hubs near Jewish schools to stop pupils being targeted.
Accountability for antisemitism policies
Ofsted and the Independent Schools Inspectorate should hold schools accountable for the implementation of policies to tackle antisemitism.
Jonathan Frisher's experience
Jonathan Frisher, a 17-year-old Jewish student from Cheshire, said swastikas and Nazi salutes had become normalised at his school.
Jonathan Frisher's bullying experience
He told Sky News: 'I was the only Jewish student at my school, and I experienced lots of antisemitic bullying.'
Jonathan Frisher's burden
He said: 'There were lots of comments around gas chambers, people telling me that I belonged in a gas chamber.
Jonathan Frisher's responsibility
He said: 'The burden was often left on me as a 12-year-old Jewish student to explain to my peers why this antisemitism was so wrong.'
In short
Three in five Jewish pupils have experienced antisemitism in school, prompting a government review to recommend sweeping changes.
