24-09-2012
Britain: Horror stories about antisemitism in British schools
During the last two years in which I did an internship in a school in central London, I heard many appalling remarks concerning my religion.
Following the spraying of swastikas in every classroom, my instructor told me: “It is not our task to force the students to behave according to our moral conscience.” Had I belonged to another religion and something like that had occurred there would have been a tremendous outcry. At that time, unfortunately, I was used to this reaction.
It all started when one of the teachers explained to the students that I am Jewish, therefore I would miss school for some time because of the holidays. Later on other teachers, without my knowledge or consent, conducted a discussion on the subject of my religion with the students.
Some were interested, but others asked me offending questions. They sang and interrupted the lesson. Needless to say, that had I wished to discuss my religion with someone I would have done it my own way.
I fell victim to groups of students who insulted me and shouted towards me: “Hitler, Hitler” also inside the classroom. Each time I reported such an act, I was ignored.
I knew that no disciplinary measures would be taken against these students and that my complaint would only encourage them to continue with their acts. During the school year someone scratched on a computer in class the words: “Death to Jews”. The school destroyed the incriminating evidence shortly after I had called the police.
