Antisemitism Has No Place in Our Schools
Toronto, ON – Valley Park Middle School in Toronto reported a disturbing incident of antisemitism on Thursday, February 17.
Toronto, ON –Valley Park Middle School in Toronto reported two disturbing incidents of antisemitism on Thursday, February 17.
According to a letter sent to parents, “there were incidents of graffiti found at the school, along with three students who performed the “Hitler salute” in front of classmates.”
In response, Noah Shack, Vice President, GTA, at the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) issued the following:
“The incidents reported at Valley Park Middle School are absolutely outrageous and unacceptable. This is yet another example of antisemitism manifesting in schools across the GTA and throughout the province, with incidents occurring on a weekly basis since the beginning of this school year.
“We appreciate the clear and immediate response of Valley Park MS Principal George Bartzis and the steps taken by the TDSB to address the situation. However, the frequency of antisemitism in Toronto schools underscores the need for proactive measures.
“The TDSB has seconded an antisemitism expert from CIJA to support its equity team in addressing this trend, and the Ministry of Education has invested in the development of proactive antisemitism education resources by CIJA and other community-based organizations to fill this concerning gap. It is imperative that the next generation develop an understanding of antisemitism as a means of standing up against hate in our society.”
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