Ontario Schools Face Surge in Antisemitic Incidents, New Report Reveals

A recent report has highlighted a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents within Ontario schools, revealing alarming statistics that underscore a growing problem. Authored by respected University of Toronto professor Robert Brym, the report was commissioned by the Office of the Special Envoy on Preserving Holocaust Remembrance and Combatting Antisemitism. It examined nearly 800 antisemitic incidents across the province’s K-12 schools between October 2023 and January 2024, a period marked by significant geopolitical tensions.

The findings are stark. Brym’s research involved interviewing 600 parents and analyzing reports of antisemitism, resulting in several key insights. Among them, approximately 16% of parents reported either moving their children to different schools or contemplating such a move due to antisemitic experiences. This data indicates a significant impact on family decisions stemming from the hostile environment faced by Jewish students.

Incidents and Responses

The report indicates that nearly one in six antisemitic incidents were initiated or condoned by teachers or occurred during school-sanctioned activities. Furthermore, over two-thirds of incidents took place in English public schools, while the remaining 14% occurred in French, Catholic, and non-Jewish private institutions. The findings reveal that a staggering nearly 75% of incidents were concentrated in three school boards: the Toronto District School Board, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and the York Region District School Board.

Despite the severity of these incidents, the response from school authorities has been criticized as inadequate. Brym noted that half of the antisemitic incidents reported to schools were not investigated. In nearly 9% of cases, authorities either denied that the incidents were antisemitic or suggested punitive measures against the victims. This lack of action raises concerns about the commitment of these institutions to address and combat antisemitism effectively.

Children attending these schools reported experiences that ranged from verbal abuse to physical violence. Incidents included Holocaust denial, accusations of excessive wealth or power among Jews, and outright threats. Many Jewish students expressed reluctance to involve their parents, fearing that such actions could exacerbate the bullying they faced.

Institutional Indifference

The Toronto District School Board has faced particular scrutiny, with 40% of Jewish students reporting antisemitic incidents. In response to the growing issue, the board has focused on initiatives addressing anti-Palestinian sentiments rather than actively combatting antisemitism. Similarly, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has publicly embraced policies allowing students to display Palestinian flags and advocate for anti-Israel causes, even as antisemitic incidents have surged.

Brym expressed surprise at the extent of Nazi-inspired imagery and rhetoric reported by students, indicating that over 40% of incidents involved salutes or comments related to Adolf Hitler. When asked if school boards were adequately addressing antisemitism, Brym was unequivocal in his assessment: “Absolutely not.”

The implications of these findings extend beyond the classroom. As children observe and internalize the attitudes of adults, the normalization of hate can have lasting effects. The report serves as a stark reminder that antisemitism is not only a concern for Jewish communities but a broader societal issue that demands urgent attention.

With the release of this report, there is a renewed call for action among policymakers and educational authorities. The burden now lies on these institutions to confront the realities of antisemitism in schools and implement effective strategies to protect all students from hate.