- Province’s Partnership with Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies will Fight Hate and Discrimination
July 05, 2021
TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing in a plan to counter rising antisemitism in Canadian schools and communities. As part of this plan, the government announced new training initiatives and resources for educators and supports for students to combat antisemitism with an investment of $327,000.
According to Statistics Canada, the number of police-reported incidents in Canada targeting the Jewish population in 2019 was 296, the largest number of any religious group.
Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, joined by Robin Martin, MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence, and Gila Martow, MPP for Thornhill, made the announcement with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies.
“Antisemitism is a scourge and historic evil that must be eradicated from our schools, from our communities, and from the hearts of all Canadians,” said Minister Lecce.
As part of the Safe Return to Class fund, the Ontario government is providing the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies with $327,000 to support two summer learning programs:
- The ‘Unpacking Intolerance: Equity and Diversity Training for Educators’ program, which will provide professional development sessions to help educators learn about dismantling systems of oppression and antisemitism in homes, schools and communities.
- The ‘Tour for Humanity Virtual Summer Camp,’ which will help students learn about human rights, dealing with injustice, and encourage ideas for creating positive change.
“We will fight antisemitism with every tool available to us to ensure Jewish students feel safe and supported in Ontario schools,” added Minister Lecce. “That is why we are partnering with the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies to strengthen training for educators and supports for students, with the aim of promoting respect for all students, irrespective of their faith or heritage.”
In all, as part of the Safe Return to Class Fund, the Ontario government is directing $6.4 million toward equity-related projects, including funding to community organizations to address anti-Asian racism, antisemitism, and Islamophobia; support for Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQI+ students; supports for newcomer parents and families to enhance access to school and community resources; and culturally appropriate mental health supports for youth, families and teachers.
Government of Ontario
