Holocaust museum visits planned for primary school students in anti-Semitism crackdown

A visit to Sydney’s Holocaust museum could become part of the school curriculum for primary school students on Sydney’s lower north shore in response to shocking reports of anti-Semitism.

Rabbi Schapiro of Chabad North Shore has supported rolling out the education program.

A visit to Sydney’s Holocaust museum could become part of the school curriculum for students on Sydney’s lower north shore in response to shocking reports of anti-Semitism.

Lane Cove Council is taking action to crackdown on discrimination and harassment after recent incidents, including swastikas and other graffiti sprawled in public areas.

Concerns have also been raised by three local councillors about a social media post last year comparing a plan by Lane Cove Council to upgrade a local dog park to the atrocities committed by the Nazis.

The post included a picture of the Auschwitz concentration camp.

Knox Grammar, on the upper north shore, was also last year embroiled in a social media scandal after it was revealed several students had set up a chat room where abuse material and anti-Semitic videos were shared.

A pixelated photo of graffiti sprawled in Lane Cove.

In response, the council has held a series of talks with the Jewish Board of Deputies and the Sydney Jewish Museum – resulting in a plan to launch an education program raising awareness about Jewish culture.

The plan includes introducing a requirement for Year 6 students in local schools to visit the Sydney Jewish Museum to learn about Jewish culture and the Holocaust.

Saint Ignatius’ College in Riverview.

The idea comes after Rose Bay Secondary College in the eastern suburbs last year announcedit would conduct similar student visits to the museum in response to rising reports of anti-semitism in Sydney schools and online chat rooms.

Saint Ignatius’ College Riverview, located in the Lane Cove Council area, has expressed support for Year 6 students to visit the museum.

“We already conduct annual visits to the Sydney Jewish Museum for our senior history students as part of the curriculum and have done so for many years,” a school spokeswoman said.

“This is a topic that we take seriously at the college as (the school) unequivocally rejects racism of any form.”

A photo of the Sydney Jewish Museum.

Rabbi Schapiro of Chabad North Shore has supported rolling out the education program in Lane Cove – and believed it should also be extended to other parts of the region including Ku-ring-gai.

He said it was “hard to pinpoint” the exact reason why anti-Semitism was increasing among young people.

“Anti-semitism is the oldest hatred in the world, it’s been around for thousands of years and unfortunately there’s always a desire to blame others for one’s own issues,” he said.

“Education is an important way to bring about more understanding and respect because much of the prejudice there is is based on ignorance.

A pixelated photo of graffiti in Lane Cove.

“For young people (experiencing anti-Semitism) particularly at school, it can impact their schooling and how they feel about themselves. We have to try and find a way for those perpetrating it to find their better side.”

The Sydney Jewish Museum is currently piloting a program to engage with primary schools which focuses on the arrival experience of Jewish people to Australia as well as introducing students to Jewish heritage, tradition, and culture.

At the conclusion of the pilot, Lane Cove Council will contact all schools to encourage them to participate in the program.

If supported, school students would attend the museum for free. Transport would also be provided at no cost.

A photo inside the Sydney Jewish Museum

A Knox Grammar spokeswoman said the school currenly conducts annual visits to the museum for students from Year 6 as part of their religion and ethics, studies of religion and history studies. Year 9 and boarding students also attend and engage in programs with the museum.

“Since 2006, Knox Grammar School has maintained a long-term partnership with the Sydney Jewish Museum. We would support any new programs offered,” the spokeswoman said.

Lane Cove councillor Scott Bennison said there was a growing need for an education program in the local area.

“It’s wrong for any group to persecute any other group based on race or religion and education is one of the best ways we can prevent it,” he said.

Lane Cove Council is also planning a broader community education campaign that includes raising awareness about Jewish culture and history.