By Heidi Gantwerk
SAN DIEGO — This is one of only two times each year where we greet one another with the words “Moadim l’simcha”- “joyous festivals”. We remind each other to find joy in the holidays of Sukkot, Shemini Azeret and Simchat Torah. But as we begin our new year, finding that joy might be a little harder for many of us. As a community, we are tired, angry, and increasingly anxious about the worrisome rise in antisemitism seemingly coming at us from every direction.
Some of you may have heard about an incident at Carmel Valley Middle School, where a teacher there had on display, among several pictures of other historical figures, a photo of Adolph Hitler. When confronted by a student who protested, the teacher responded that while Hitler did some bad things he also displayed strong leadership qualities. Parents and community members were rightfully very concerned and expressed that concern to school district leaders.
After the photo was removed and the teacher and principal apologized, we were invited to speak with the superintendent and some of her colleagues. We are encouraged by our conversations, and their desire to make San Dieguito Union High School District a safe place for Jews, and for all students. We are working with the district to plan a listening session with Jewish Community Leaders, and the district has scheduled training sessions for the faculty specifically related to antisemitism with the Anti-Defamation League. We will also be working with them to implement additional district-wide programming for faculty related to identifying and neutralizing anti-Semitism in curriculum and teaching methodologies. Should you wish to be updated on further developments here and other aspects of our work fighting anti-Semitism, please click here.
In the spirit of this special time of year, may all of our young people find acceptance and joy in their education and in all aspects of their lives and may we all have a restful and peaceful Shabbat.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom, and more peaceful days ahead.
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Heidi Gantwerk is president and CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego County.