This month, a significant portion of the Streetwise Project’s efforts has focused on Antisemitism and Personal Safety. According to published data from CST, there has been a notable and sustained spike in Antisemitism and hate crimes directed at Jewish students since October 7th 2023.
As well, in a recently published JPR research (Which can be read here), “a little under a quarter (23%) [Of the sample surveyed] reported that their child or children had experienced antisemitism at school (12%), in the vicinity of school (6%) or travelling to or from school (9%), with a small number reporting more than one of these. Overall, the level of antisemitism reported by parents appears to be slightly lower among parents with children in Jewish schools (22%) than those in mainstream schools (26%), but this difference is not statistically significant.”
While not every Jewish student has directly experienced an Antisemitic incident, Streetwise recognises that Jewish young people are at a much higher risk of encountering Antisemitism online and in public, with a marked increase in racist graffiti and vandalism.
In the academic year 2023/24, Streetwise’s Antisemitism and Personal Safety programming has seen an impressive 585% increase, reaching a total of 7,624 participants, compared to just 1,113 in the previous year. Furthermore, the team has expanded its outreach, engaging with more than double the number of organizations such as Synagogue youth groups, youth movements and clubs - 21 in 2022/23 to 46 in 2023/24. Krav Maga sessions led by CST Personal Safety instructors, have also significantly increased, growing from 977 participants in 2022/23 to 2,661 in 2023/24.
Looking at the academic year ahead, Streetwise is committed to prioritising all forms of Antisemitism education for young Jewish people, both in Jewish Schools, and Jewish Societies through the UJS-led JAMS programme. The aims of the sessions is to provide young people with the knowledge and confidence to recognise, challenge and report Antisemitism wherever this might be experienced. A crucial part of the work is based on personal safety in all spheres of life whilst learning about the history, stereotypes and contemporary manifestations of Antisemitism enable young people to feel empowered to tackle anti-Jewish hate if this is witnessed or experienced, including navigating difficult conversations with peers.
This month, Streetwise launched a new programme for students in Years 12 and 13, focusing on tackling Antisemitism as they transition into the next chapter of their lives. This programme is currently running successfully at JCoSS, and we look forward to reaching even more young people in the coming months.
If you are interested in learning more about Streetwise or would like to book sessions, please email info@streetwise.org.
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