Combating antisemitism through education in NYC schools

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn (PIX11)—New York City officials are working to combat what they say is a rise in antisemitism in public schools through a new curriculum that will be implemented next year. 

Chancellor David Banks made the announcement Wednesday at a gala at the Jewish Children's Museum’s 19th-anniversary gala dinner, where he unveiled a new initiative. A collaboration between the museum and the city’s Department of Education is designed to tackle antisemitism head-on using educational programs to foster a deeper understanding of Jewish culture amongst the student body. 

“We are creating a brand new curriculum for the first time,” said Chancellor Banks. “Right now in New York State, it is the law. We teach about the Holocaust in grades eight, nine, and eleven, but we don’t teach the full breadth of the Jewish experience.”

The announcement comes as the city’s Department of Education cites at least 281 incidents of religious bias since last October, including incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia. 

Devorah Halberstam co-founded the Jewish Children’s Museum after her teenage son Ari Halberstam was killed in an antisemitic attack 30 years ago. She’s hoping this new effort will honor his memory by promoting acceptance and understanding in city schools. 

“When you learn and you teach, that’s how it changes the hearts and minds of people,” Devorah said.

Eleven-year-old Jannatul Ferdouse is a student at P.S. 399 who says her experience visiting the museum has helped her better understand Jewish culture and the importance of combatting prejudice.

“I learned that Jewish people, they’re just like us and even if people are not Jewish, we’re all the same,” said Ferdouse. “We just have different beliefs, and we should learn to respect each other despite what we believe.”

As Chancellor Banks said, education is crucial in the fight against antisemitism, and he’s hoping to eradicate hate in all forms, starting in the classroom.