Page 12 - Issue 28

We discussed the importance of speaking out against
antisemitism, along with supporting one another. While
some chanichimot attend Jewish schools and receive
constant support, others are the only Jewish students in
their year or even school. For these students, it was
amazing to be together in a space where they could talk
freely with other Jews with regards to what they had
witnessed and experienced and to generally feel that they
were not alone.

We touched upon the importance of reliable sources of
information. Chanichimot from both Jewish and non-Jewish
schools shared that they and their peers are subject to
‘black-and-white’, ‘one side against another’ accounts of
the conflict, and we discussed the dangers this poses for our
community.

We also spoke about the importance of being able to take a
step back, escape our 'echo chambers' of school and social
media and put things into perspective when things are too
intense.

Worryingly, a common trend amongst our chanichimot was
the difficulty they expressed at calling out friends, peers
and even teachers when they witnessed antisemitism at
school. While this is an incredibly difficult and brave thing
to do, it is something HDUK will commit to offering
support for, as well as guidance how best to have effective
and productive conversations when tackling antisemitism.

For such young people, our chanichimot were able to speak
with amazing nuance, understanding and compassion for
the situation, and for one another.

We're blessed to have such mature, bright and inquisitive
chanichimot - we can't wait for the summer with you all!