By Tabitha Bodian, GHS class of 2024
Over the years there have been troubling instances of antisemitism in the Greenwich community, including situations involving children. Hateful rhetoric and forms of harassment and bullying have raised the utmost concern. This form of prejudice has manifested in various ways – sometimes in schools. This was the impetus for a recent public forum organized by the PTA Council.
As a community, it is essential to identify the issue’s roots and ensure that our children are safe in their community and valued and welcomed for how they might identify themselves.
One of the proactive steps exemplified in Connecticut is through the help of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). There have been collaborative efforts between the advocacy groups within Greenwich and the local government to implement new forms of management and control of the spreading concerns. As a result, a task force has been formed, including 26 dedicated members, one of them is Becca Levine, who has firsthand experience with these issues and whose leadership qualities will be crucial to overseeing this change in the Greenwich community.
Many of the individuals who joined the public forum were parents who expressed concern about the rising prejudice in town. Through active programs and research consultation, Erika Brunwasser, Associate Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League Connecticut, talked about the impact of antisemitism and hate on students and efforts for change and justice in Greenwich and across the state.
The ADL’s mission is “To stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” This should be held valid in our communities and be acted upon when individuals face injustice. Brunwasser drew from various real-life accounts to emphasize the need for immediate action.
One story she shared that was most impactful was about a second grader who felt the need to remain silent after being bullied and mocked frequently at school for her Jewish heritage. Brunwasser captured the child’s voice: “I just suffered in silence. I felt different, like a loser, and felt alone.”
There were various takeaways from this discussion. However, the most essential to share with parents today was the concept of “intent” v. “impact.”
This is incredibly significant in educating all students about the impacts they may have and the importance of parents talking to their children about it.
Another form of education and building awareness across the community is “Awareness to Action,” which allows kids to recognize and speak up when they encounter incidents involving antisemitism. It can be accessed through the ADL website and is provided in classrooms as mini lessons for free.
Ultimately, it is essential to call out antisemitism and recognize what is happening throughout the entire community. Letters and/or emails from individuals about incidents of hate can be extremely validating to Jewish families if they are formatted with concern, awareness, and action.
There will continue to be adjustments made along the way, but it is now in the hands of the community to integrate this mission into residents’ daily lives.