By Minda Chaikin
Concerned about antisemitism rising in Ontario schools, the provincial government is taking action to combat its spread. CHES is proud to be a part of this action and, at the invitation of Ontario’s Ministry of Education, has developed plans and learning materials dealing with Holocaust education and combating antisemitism that will be launched in September.
As announced on November 9th, 2022, the ministry is addressing a critical need by introducing first-ever mandatory Holocaust learning in elementary schools to help younger students gain an understanding of its significance and to target antisemitism. The mandatory program has been integrated into the Grade 6 Social Studies curriculum and addresses the negative impact acts of hate and human rights violations have on individuals and society.
Students will learn about Jewish heritage, the experiences of Jewish individuals, families, and communities, including ways in which they have contributed to Canada over many years, the ongoing impact of antisemitism, and responses to acts of hate and human rights violations since World War II.
For its contribution, CHES has been working with its partners in the Ottawa community and beyond to produce the most effective age-appropriate Grade 6 lesson plans possible. The partners include four outstanding teachers who excel in the field of Holocaust education and antisemitism. The ministry has reacted with enthusiasm to our materials and has offered its support.
Multiple workshops for Ottawa educators are scheduled for October and November as CHES plans to offer professional learning support in cooperation with Marc-Olivier Cloutier, Manager of Education Initiatives Azrieli Foundation, Yoni Berrous, Head, Educational Programs, Canada Yad Vashem Jerusalem, and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB).
Unpacked for Educators, a division of OpenDor Media, is launching a pilot program to certain public and private schools across North America in which they will offer their premium resources and professional development support in the areas of antisemitism, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and issues related to Jewish communities.
Unpacked for Educators is building on the work already accomplished in Ottawa through CHES. Senior Director of Israel Education, Avi Posen, plans to pilot this program in three Ottawa high schools: Sir Robert Borden High School, Ashbury College, and Holy Trinity Catholic High School. Led by Avi Posen, the pilot will consist of two live workshops for teachers and administrators at each of the schools over the year, with the possibility of an additional workshop for students.
Our choice of Avi as a facilitator is evidence-based as he received extremely positive feedback from teachers and administrators after his recent presentations to the OCDSB, the Ottawa Separate School Board, and Ashbury College.
Minda Chaikin is the Chair of the CHES Education Committee.
