Educators and Students Gather in Lansing for Day of Learning on Antisemitism

Strategic Insights -

As educators and students gathered at Lansing Community College on Thursday for a daylong symposium aimed at helping school district employees build an inclusive environment for students and address incidents of antisemitism, speakers emphasized the urgent need to address this complex and deeply ingrained issue. State Superintendent Michael Rice stressed that there's no place for hatred, discrimination, bullying, or harassment in Michigan schools, highlighting that it's not only his opinion but also state law. The symposium, co-hosted by Brandeis University, the Anti-Defamation League of Michigan, education think-and-action tank Boundless Israel, and the Michigan Department of Education, sought to break down the history of antisemitism and provide tools and resources for educators to support students and address hate.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Anti-Defamation League recorded 9,354 incidents of antisemitism in 2024, marking a 5% increase from 2023, with 58% of all incidents tied to Israel or Zionism.
  • The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism is commonly used by higher education institutions and some state and local governments, including the U.S. Department of State.
  • Experiential educator Rachel Fish emphasized the importance of understanding the nuances of antisemitism, particularly when it comes to criticism of Israel, and suggested using former Israeli Minister of Interior Natan Sharansky's three-D test to determine whether a critique crosses the line into antisemitism.
  • Antisemitism does not remain stagnant and is constantly evolving to remain relevant and resonant in society, often manifesting in conspiracy theories and social media.
  • Safe spaces for students to express themselves and feel included are crucial for promoting cultural belonging and addressing incidents of antisemitism, with examples provided by students from Zeeland East High School, Plymouth High School, and Detroit's Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Statistics:

  • 58% of all incidents of antisemitism in 2024 were tied to Israel or Zionism (Source: Anti-Defamation League, Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, 2024)
  • 9,354 incidents of antisemitism were recorded in 2024 (Source: Anti-Defamation League, Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, 2024)
  • 5% increase in incidents of antisemitism from 2023 to 2024 (Source: Anti-Defamation League, Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, 2024)

Sources:

  • Anti-Defamation League (Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, 2024)
  • Brandeis University
  • Boundless Israel (https://boundlessisrael.org/)
  • Michigan Department of Education
  • International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (Working Definition of Antisemitism)
  • U.S. Department of State (Source: Rachel Fish's presentation)