A special statewide summit aimed at addressing the surge in antisemitism across California schools is set to take place virtually on Tuesday, February 28, from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. This free event, open to students, parents, educators, and California public officials, is designed to foster an open dialogue on the alarming rise in violence and hate incidents targeting Jewish Californians within the K-12 educational system.
The Combating Antisemitism Summit will serve as a crucial platform for those directly affected by these incidents to share their experiences and for state leaders to gain firsthand insight into the challenges facing Jewish communities in schools. With 618 participants already confirmed and the deadline to RSVP drawing near, the event promises to be a significant step towards understanding and addressing the issue at both local and state levels.
Organized as a “Citizen Hearing,” the summit will feature testimonies from a diverse group of speakers, including students, parents, and educators from the American Jewish, Israeli-American, and other immigrant Jewish communities, as well as allies from across the state. This format aims to provide a comprehensive view of the issue, ensuring that the voices of those most affected are heard by educational leaders and state officials who are in a position to make a difference.
The summit has garnered support from a wide array of community partners, including JewishLAUSD Students, Parents, and Educators, Sequoia Union High School District Jewish Parents and Allies Union, Bay Area Jewish Coalition, and several other advocacy and ally groups throughout California. This collaborative effort underscores the widespread concern and commitment to combating antisemitism in schools.
For those unable to speak at the event, the organizers are encouraging individuals to submit their stories in writing. By sharing personal experiences with antisemitism in the educational system, participants can contribute to a broader understanding of the issue and advocate for change. These written submissions will play a vital role in the summit, highlighting the personal impact of antisemitism on students, parents, and educators alike.
As California schools and communities confront the growing challenge of antisemitism, this summit represents a pivotal moment in the fight against hate and discrimination. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, the event aims to foster a more inclusive and safe environment for all students, laying the groundwork for meaningful change in the state’s educational system.
In my opinion, the unfortunate rise in antisemitism can be placed squarely at the feet of Netanyahu in conducting what many nations have now called a genocide. In his quest to destroy Hamas (most assuredly a terrorist organization), Netanyahu has also killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, including too many innocent children and women. Support for Israel is waning due to his seeming commitment to destroy virtually anyone and anything in Gaza. Many Americans have voiced disapproval of our continuing to give Israel over $3 billion in annual “aid”, primarily for weapons which they are most likely using to kill… Read more »