A review of the prevalence of antisemitism was presented in Stockholm City’s schools. The review was conducted by researcher Kristin Wagrell, Malmö University, and points to the presence of threats and hatred against Jews in Stockholm’s schools, but also the need for further training of school staff.
The purpose of the survey is to understand if and how antisemitism is a problem in Stockholm’s primary and secondary schools and to present proposals for measures on the basis of the results. The results have been produced through a mixture of surveys and in-depth interviews of both school staff and Jewish school students.
- In my research, I have been able to state that the Jewish school students in Stockholm experience hatred and threats mainly in the form of language use and in some cases antisemitic acts, but at the same time there is a lack of knowledge among teachers to capture the problem. My main advice for future work is to work with continuing education and also to work together with the Jewish organizations that exist in the city, says Kristin Wagrell, researcher at Malmö University and author of the report.
- Antisemitic actions are not boyish, in school you should learn what is right and wrong, and get an understanding of how your actions are perceived and experienced by other people. I can state that teachers need to be given competence-enhancing efforts to become better at identifying, defining and acting against antisemitism, says Isabel Smedberg-Palmqvist (L), school councilor in Stockholm.
- In Stockholm, everyone should be able to feel secure that they can be who they want to be, be open with their background and religion and never be exposed to discrimination and hatred. This report will be an important tool for the city in the future where we will, among other things, use the results in the work of developing a city-wide program for human rights, says Katarina Luhr (MP) mayor responsible for the city’s national minorities and environment and climate council.
The report shows that antisemitism in Stockholm’s schools is a multifaceted problem. Jewish students testify about language and actions that make them feel pointed, stressed and sad. The staff also show knowledge gaps regarding some of the central parts of antisemitism.
