Below are remarks made by Noah Shack, VP, GTA, on January 27th at the announcement by Minister Stephen Lecce that CIJA will receive a $150,000 grant to develop bilingual classroom resources, targeted at students in grades 5-8, on the dangers of antisemitism. Parent resources will also be developed on how antisemitism manifests on social media and online gaming.
Minister Lecce, Minister Cho and MPP Martin, I am glad to be marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day today with you, three champions in the fight against antisemitism and all forms of hate.
There is perhaps no better way to honour the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Shoah than by taking concerted action to address the alarming rise of antisemitism we are experiencing today.
Education is a critical antidote to hate in our society, and essential to our commitment of Never Again.
Antisemitism has increased in schools across Ontario, often driven by hateful content online.
This spreads dangerous stereotypes and misinformation, leading to radicalization, bullying and even violence.
With children spending more time online, this challenge has grown significantly.
The Government of Ontario’s investment will provide educators and parents with additional tools to open young minds to the dangers of antisemitism and the damage done by hate.
These resources will not only help to address incidents of antisemitism today but will also help build toward a future where antisemitism and other forms of hate are more clearly understood and categorically rejected.
Education must play a critical role in the fight against a hatred that too often grows from ignorance.
It is the way we will keep these seeds from taking root in future generations.
CIJA is grateful to be a partner in this work.
We believe it is critical for the Jewish community to work hand in hand with the education sector to ensure an appropriate and meaningful response to the alarming rise of antisemitism being experienced across the province, the country and around the world.
Thank you Minister Lecce for your leadership in making this critical work possible.
Learn more: Ontario Announces Plans to Combat Antisemitism in Schools
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