December 2024
Wendy Schneider
In the 15 months since the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023 triggered a year of intense violence in Israel, Gaza, and across the Middle East, Jewish students in public schools have borne the impact of anti-Israel activism, which often manifests as antisemitic bullying. With Jewish students representing only a small minority in local schools, many have felt outnumbered and unheard. This prompted the creation of the Jewish Student Forum, a collaborative initiative between the Hamilton Jewish Federation and BBYO as a vehicle through which Jewish students can share their concerns directly with Hamilton Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) administrators.
The forum held its inaugural meeting on Oct. 8 at JHamilton, where moderators Noah Jaye, a Grade 12 student at Dundas Valley Secondary School, and Liav Yakov, a Grade 11 student at Westmount Secondary School, encouraged the eight attendees to share their experiences. HWDSB Director of Education Sheryl Petrazzini, along with several principals and trustees, were present to listen.
“A lot of them raised really good points,” Jaye said. Yakov echoed the sentiment. “I think we got off to a good start. The students were taking the lead and were on point, which made me really happy.”
But Yakov, who’s grown accustomed to seeing Palestinian flags displayed in certain classrooms and to the existence of an anti-genocide club founded by a teacher at his school, is less confident about board administrators’ ability or willingness to depoliticize school environments.
“It’s tough because the board doesn’t want to limit freedom of speech,” he said. Nevertheless, Yakov is still hopeful that the forum’s activity will positively impact the Jewish student experience. “I want more neutrality, as well as more support ... I’d just like to come to school and feel safe,” he said.
Photo caption: BBYO members Noah Jaye (front row, second from right) and Liav Yakov (front row, far right) at the first Jewish Student Forum meeting with HWDSB administrators.
