In response to the recent uptick in antisemitism in Montgomery County, WJ has decided to take actions to reduce antisemitism in our community with presentations in English classes and a meeting with Anti-Defamation League representatives during lunch on Wednesday, May 17. The Jewish Student Union organized antisemitism presentations to be given during English classes. These presentations included information about the recent increase in antisemitism, what antisemitism is, examples of antisemitism throughout history and in our community and how to recognize and reduce antisemitism in our community.
Furthermore, Rachel Lang and Shelby Gadol, members of the Anti-Defamation League, an anti-hate organization aimed at eliminating antisemitism, hosted a Q&A meeting in the student commons during lunch in order to discuss antisemitism with students and faculty members. Lang and Gadol discussed what antisemitism is, the antisemitic incidents in Montgomery County, educational programs and workshops about antisemitism and hate bias and more. The ADL wants to collaborate with student groups at schools across the county in order to raise student voices and raise awareness surrounding antisemitism.
“I think this [meeting] was wonderful, and it’s really nice that the students were driving this conversation and the lesson for the entire school to bring awareness to antisemitism,” Lang said.