December 2024
Wendy Schneider

A dedicated group of eight local educators has come together to develop community-wide educational and social initiatives aimed at addressing antisemitism in the public school system. The group includes Arielle Farber, a supply teacher with the Halton District School Board, parent of three, and HHA PTA member; Inbal Chaimovitz, a Jewish educator and mother of four; Lila Strub, an experienced educator and head of education at Margaret’s Legacy Holocaust Learning and Advocacy Centre; Dora-Ann Cohen Ellison, a mother of two, HWDSB elementary school teacher, and director of religious education at Temple Anshe Sholom; Aviva Millstone, co-director of Camp Ramah Canada and mother of three; Rabbi Ben Shefter, Hillel director and father of three; and Jack Rosenbaum, a BBYO staff member. The newest members of Federation’s education committee were recruited by its chair, Romy Friedman, a high school science teacher with 18 years of experience, eight of which have been with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB).

Since September, the committee has concentrated on advocating for Jewish students in the public school system, advancing antisemitism awareness training for school board administrators, and supporting new initiatives within the city’s Jewish day and afternoon schools.

The make-up of this year’s committee—which has representation from across the communal spectrum—is the fulfilment of Friedman’s long-held dream to see greater community collaboration and cohesion. In her seven years of volunteering for Federation, Friedman says their dedicated efforts towards improving Jewish students’ lived reality and combatting antisemitism in the schools as “the most momentum I’ve ever seen happen.” 

“It’s exciting. We’re embracing the advocacy role where we’re coordinating efforts, setting up meetings with public school boards, and listening to what parents and students have to say,” she said. 

BBYO’s Jack Rosenbaum said he’s excited by the committee’s support for his vision of creating a network of Jewish teens in Hamilton from across the religious spectrum.

 “There are big issues that the Jewish community is facing around education right now, and I feel like I am a part of a group of people who are passionate about facing these issues head-on and really helping to make meaningful change in the public school and in the Jewish community as a whole.” 

Friedman’s deep understanding of both the public school system and the Jewish community—bolstered by her role as a Federation board member and her involvement in Holocaust education—positions her perfectly to advance the committee’s initiatives. Whether guiding a concerned Jewish parent from a WhatsApp group to the appropriate school board official or connecting HWDSB administrators with antisemitism training opportunities at the Margaret’s Legacy Holocaust Learning and Jewish Advocacy Centre, Friedman plays a pivotal role in bridging these efforts.

“I feel like we’re doing a lot this year. And since Oct. 7, there’s been a lot of need ... I want to use all the amazing people we have working towards the same goals and actually see outcomes.”

Photo caption:
Romy Friedman was recently presented with the 2024 Sharon Enkin Teacher Award for Excellence in Holocaust Education, an award given annually to elementary or secondary teachers within the Hamilton-Wentworth District Public or Catholic School boards who demonstrate exceptional dedication to Holocaust education. Federation CEO Gustavo Rymberg presented Friedman with the award during Holocaust Education Week, praising her as “a tireless ambassador who promotes Holocaust education and provides essential resources for administrators, staff, and students. Her innovative approach to teaching has made a lasting impact on countless young minds.” Friedman has significantly advanced Holocaust education by ensuring access to relevant resources, fostering collaboration between the Jewish community and public education, and creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue. She is also recognized for championing the importance of teaching students to make ethical decisions and for empowering Jewish students to share their perspectives with school administrators.