Dion J. Pierre
Algemeiner, Feb. 27, 2023
“Further research is required to better understand the lived experience of these students, the stressors they face, and the extent of the problems such as those identified herein. This study continues. Students are invited to share their experiences while maintaining anonymity.”
Antisemitism in Canadian social work programs fosters a hostile environment for Jewish students and undermines the goals of the field, according to a preliminary qualitative study issued by the Canadian Antisemitism Education Foundation (CAEF).
“Today, some students — committed, idealistic, and Jewish — are confronted with behaviours and attitudes that contradict the spirit of this profession,” CAEF, a nonprofit that raises awareness of antisemitism and advocates interracial and interfaith harmony, said in a release shared with The Algemeiner. “When some universities invalidate those principles upon which its teachings were established and promote untruths and values that Target Jewish students — an essential profession may be on the path to losing its moral compass.”
Nine Jewish students from across Canada were interviewed during the study, with each reporting various forms of antisemitism, including anti-Zionism, social rejection based on their Jewish identity, and denial of the significance of antisemitism as a form of bigotry.
“My school’s narrative…openly pro-Palestinian, Israel is a colonizer, Jewish people have no right to their homeland, no examination of Jewish humanitarian issues…and more,” a subject called “Student A,” said. “Place is all full of hate.”
Brown University president Christina H. Paxson earlier this month denounced antisemitism and “boycotts against any country,” an implicit reference to…
Another subject, “Student F” said a professor answered evasively when asked why antisemitism was not featured in his course’s curriculum. Social work, he responded, avoids discussing religion “to remain neutral.” When Student F noted that the class had discussed Islamophobia “many times,” the professor “declined to answer and returned to his desk.” … SOURCE