Education crucial, but action on anti-Semitism needed now

Special envoy for combating anti-Semitism Jillian Segal advises the implementation of a blueprint to combat this foul scourge, including a new strategy to stamp out bigotry in classrooms (“Evil scourge: PM promises prompt action on anti-Semitism report”, 10/7).

However, when a government education department, such as in NSW, throws its hands in the air, and passes the responsibility buck to school principals in the face of blatant pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel political ideology from school staff, and doubtless inculcated into their students, one wonders how the implementation of such a program in schools could be achieved.

And that’s regarding government schools. How possible is the implementation in independent schools? And in certain religious schools? Would it be mandatory? Enforceable?

Would government funding be conditional on implementation?

Education is crucial, but it is a long-term strategy. Immediate, effective action is urgently required. Indeed, overdue.

We have had enough of relevant authorities in Australia taking Roman emperor Nero as their role model.

Deborah Morrison, Malvern East, Vic

Why do we have to have a crisis to decide to teach kids about anti-Semitism?

Any worthwhile curriculum would have always ensured that students are all taught about such things as the rise of Nazism and fascism and World War II. This would be a much more effective way of students learning about such issues as the value of democracy and freedom and the evils of racism, as opposed to the civics programs, which generally turn kids off.

The ignorance of so many people in countries like Australia and Britain about comparatively recent history is a sad reflection on our education system.

Rod Dyson, Hawthorndene, SA

There would be no place for Jewish students at public schools in NSW when their teachers stoke the fires of division by wearing keffiyehs and Palestinian T-shirts (“Not our job to police keffiyehs in classrooms”, 10/7).

And what’s even more troubling is how would Jewish students at the school be considered and treated by staff and non-Jewish students? Certainly not as equals.

Henry Herzog, St Kilda East, Vic

Increasing security at synagogues, schools and community organisations is welcome, but should the federal government have to do this in the Australian society most of us cherish?

Israel showed the way by destroying the head of the snake – eliminating the leaders of terrorist organisations.

Australia should show similar mettle and punish the miscreants who burn places of worship and attack restaurants, terrorising innocent patrons and staff.

Francis Wright, Cottesloe, WA

To combat anti-Semitism, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated, “This is something that the government needs to work with civil society on, at all levels”. What we need is a civil society.

Sue Davis, Lindfield, NSW

Anti-Semitism has been at the forefront of Australian society since the day after October 7, 2023. Six hundred and forty-one days later, Anthony Albanese declares he is ready for the fight against anti-Semitism.

Why has it taken so long, Prime Minister?

Riley Brown, Bondi Beach, NSW

In the early 1960s, when I was a secondary school student in the UK, we were made to watch the film, Nuit et brouillard (Night and fog), a French documentary film about the horror and evil that was Auschwitz and the death camp system.

It should be a compulsory part of the Australian schools system so that students can see the reality of genocide perpetrated against Jews, communists, gypsies and homosexuals.

Simon Marston, Eltham, Vic

When a large, noisy mob gathered at the Sydney Opera House yelling anti-Jewish chants, I – and, I imagine, millions of others – knew we had an anti-Semitism problem in Australia.

Now, 21 months later, the PM has reached the same conclusion.

How lucky we are to have such a perceptive and decisive government in charge.

Doug Hurst, Chapman, ACT