What Can I Do About Antisemitism in My Child’s School?

• Checklist for Effective Parent Advocacy in Schools –  This checklist offers practical steps to help you advocate for your student and ensure their school experience is safe, inclusive, and respectful. From building relationships with educators to documenting incidents and connecting with community resources, these actions can strengthen your voice and your impact.
• Jewish Family Antisemitism Toolkit – Families with K-12 students now have access to a comprehensive resource featuring the letter sent to schools and districts, reporting mechanisms, Jewish community contacts, customizable form letters, and more. A resource from the JCRC.
• Walkout Response Letter – A customizable form letter designed to empower families to respond effectively to harmful situations affecting Jewish and Israeli students. The letter can be adapted to meet the specific needs of different circumstances at various schools, offering a practical and timely tool for advocacy. A resource from the JCRC.
• Where Do I Turn & What Can I Do? | Antisemitism Workshop for Parents of K-12 Students – Webinar addressing the unprecedented challenges facing Jewish students and parents post-October 7th. Resources, real-life scenarios, and strategies for support.

Resources developed by the JCRC in collaboration with local organizations dedicated to combating antisemitism in schools.

What Are My Options for Jewish School?

• The Essential Guide to Jewish Day Schools in Greater Seattle – This guide from the Samis Foundation highlights five local schools where tuition is capped thanks to Samis affordability grants, with details on academics, extracurriculars, and Israel trips. Jewish day schools provide settings where students concerned about antisemitism can thrive academically, socially, and Jewishly. Moreover, choosing a Jewish day school is itself a way of combating antisemitism by building the confidence, fluency, and resilience that enable students to engage as strong Jewish advocates throughout their lives. The data is consistent: Jewish day schools produce graduates who are more likely to remain engaged in Jewish life, advocate publicly for Jewish communities, and push back effectively against antisemitism.

How Do I Talk to My Child About Antisemitism?

• Shine A Light on Antisemitism – A wide variety of educational resources tailored for different age groups, from kindergarten through adulthood.
• Parents’ and Caregivers’ Guide to Countering Antisemitism – Tools, tips, and language to discuss discrimination and hate targeting Jews, along with actionable steps families can take to promote inclusivity. A guide from the Nickelodeon and USC Shoah Foundation.
• How to Talk to Children About Antisemitism – Resources and strategies for parents to effectively talk to their children about antisemitism, discrimination, and the Holocaust. This PJ Library guide offers tools, age-appropriate books, and expert advice for fostering open, supportive discussions.
• Talking To Children About Hate Crimes And Antisemitism – Strategies for helping adults talk to children who are experiencing fear, anxiety, confusion, and concerns about the safety of the world. A brief guide from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
• Resources for K-12 Educators and Leadership
• District Outreach Letter – This letter outlines five actionable steps schools should take to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish and Israeli students. It was sent to 313 public school districts, tribal schools, and charter school networks across Washington State, as well as to 25 independent schools in the Puget Sound area. A resource from the JCRC.
• Washington State Toolkit to Confront Antisemitism in Schools – This resource highlights the valuable work of local Jewish partner organizations for K-12 schools and was included in the letter sent to schools and districts at the start of the school year. A resource from the JCRC.

Resources for Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month (May) in Schools

• Jewish American Heritage Month: Recommendations for Schools – Guidance for districts and schools on meaningful ways to recognize and celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM). Includes in-school initiatives, cultural events, lesson plans, and community engagement ideas.
• Jewish American Heritage Month: District Leadership Letter – This letter was sent to all 313 districts, ESDs, tribal schools, charter networks, and 25 key Puget Sound independent schools. It outlines the importance of JAHM and provides actionable steps for fostering Jewish inclusion in schools. Please share this letter with your child’s school and encourage them to utilize the provided resources.
• Book & Author Recommendations for Jewish American Heritage Month – A curated list of fiction and non-fiction books that highlight the diversity of Jewish American experiences, organized by age group. Includes stories about Jewish identity, culture, and history, as well as works by Jewish authors. Ideal for school library displays and classroom integration.