By: Fern Sidman

A sobering new report commissioned by the government of Ontario has exposed a deeply troubling trend of escalating antisemitism within the province’s education system. The comprehensive two-year investigation, led by Professor Robert Brym of the University of Toronto, underscores not only the frequency of antisemitic incidents but also the disturbing environments in which they occur.

According to the findings published by Jewish Breaking News, the study surveyed 599 Jewish parents across Ontario and documented an astonishing 781 incidents of antisemitic behavior. These incidents have directly impacted an estimated 10% of the province’s approximately 30,000 Jewish school-age children, a figure that experts and community leaders have labeled unprecedented in scope and severity.

What makes the report particularly alarming, as Jewish Breaking News reported, is the nature of the antisemitic acts recorded. Contrary to the common assumption that most incidents would center on political opposition to Israel, the study revealed that over 40% of cases involved classic antisemitic tropes. These included Nazi salutes, expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler, and outright Holocaust denial — deeply offensive and historically loaded acts that have left a profound impact on the children involved.

One particularly harrowing account, highlighted by Jewish Breaking News, involved a 13-year-old Jewish girl in Waterloo who, on multiple occasions in September 2024, was surrounded by a group of boys repeatedly shouting “Sieg Heil” while performing Nazi salutes. Such acts of blatant hate, reminiscent of the darkest chapters of the 20th century, are not isolated incidents but part of a disturbing pattern documented throughout the province.

Another shocking episode involved a six-year-old in Ottawa who was reportedly told by her own teacher that she was “only half human” because one of her parents is Jewish. This example of antisemitism originating from an authority figure responsible for the welfare and education of children has intensified concern within the Jewish community and raised serious questions about the culture within Ontario’s schools.

Perhaps most alarming is the involvement of educators and school-sanctioned activities in fostering or enabling antisemitic behavior. Nearly one in six incidents were either initiated by teachers or occurred with their explicit approval. Some educators reportedly wore clothing featuring maps that denied Israel’s existence, while others invited speakers with radical political views into classrooms without offering balanced perspectives.

Professor Brym, who led the investigation, provided a stark assessment of the situation. In remarks reported by Jewish Breaking News, he stated: “The picture illustrates the way some Ontario school children treat their Jewish classmates and the manner and degree to which some teachers and school administrators in Ontario disrespect, exclude, and devalue Jewish children.”

Equally troubling has been the institutional response — or lack thereof. In nearly half of the cases where parents or students reported antisemitic incidents, school officials failed to investigate. An additional 8% of cases were dismissed outright, with school authorities claiming they were “not antisemitic,” despite parents and students identifying them as such.

In some particularly egregious cases, schools reportedly recommended that Jewish students be permanently removed from the school environment or attend classes virtually, effectively punishing the victims of antisemitism rather than addressing the behavior of the perpetrators. As the Jewish Breaking News report noted, these responses have compounded the trauma experienced by Jewish families and contributed to a climate of fear and isolation.

Professor Brym observed that this fear extends beyond the victims to their families, telling Jewish Breaking News: “Some children insisted that their parents not report an antisemitic incident, fearing it would become public and they would consequently become the target of increased harassment or bullying.”

This chilling atmosphere has led some Jewish students to take drastic measures to avoid being identified. Numerous children have chosen to stop wearing clothing, jewelry, or symbols that express their Jewish identity — a heartbreaking reflection of the pressures they face in the very spaces meant to nurture and protect them.

The findings paint a picture of systemic failure at multiple levels within Ontario’s educational institutions. Rather than confronting antisemitism head-on, many schools have either turned a blind eye or, worse, appeared complicit in the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and behaviors.

Community leaders, parents, and advocacy groups, many of whom spoke to Jewish Breaking News, have expressed alarm at both the content of the report and the broader societal implications. The rise in antisemitic incidents within schools — places meant to foster inclusivity, diversity, and respect — signals a troubling erosion of these core values within parts of the province’s education system.

The report’s documentation of incidents stretching from verbal abuse and harassment to acts of intimidation and physical threats reflects a deepening crisis. The frequency and severity of these incidents suggest a normalization of antisemitism in certain school environments, posing a direct challenge to Ontario’s stated commitment to diversity and human rights.

One of the most concerning aspects is the apparent reluctance of some schools to engage meaningfully with Jewish parents and community leaders. Instances where concerns were dismissed or downplayed have not only emboldened perpetrators but have also created a perception of institutional indifference or hostility toward the Jewish community.

In interviews conducted by Jewish Breaking News, several parents expressed deep frustration with school boards and administrative bodies that failed to take meaningful action. One parent remarked, “We don’t expect special treatment — we expect fair treatment. Our children have a right to feel safe at school, just like every other child.”

The broader question remains: How will Ontario’s education system address the findings of this report, and what steps will be taken to ensure the safety and dignity of Jewish students moving forward?

Policy experts and educational advocates have called for a series of immediate actions. These include comprehensive sensitivity training for educators and administrators, the establishment of clear protocols for addressing antisemitic incidents, and the introduction of robust accountability measures to ensure that future cases are handled with the seriousness they warrant.

Moreover, as the Jewish Breaking News highlighted, there is a growing demand for the integration of Holocaust education and Jewish history into school curricula — an initiative advocates believe could help combat ignorance and reduce prejudice among students.

The findings of this government-commissioned study mark a pivotal moment for Ontario’s educational and civic institutions. Ignoring or minimizing the scale of the problem risks deepening divisions and perpetuating harm within school communities.

The broader Canadian public is now faced with the reality that antisemitism is not a distant historical issue but a present and growing concern within its own borders. How the province responds — both in policy and practice — will serve as a crucial test of its commitment to combating hate and fostering genuine inclusivity in its schools.