From Irwin Elman, NDP candidate in Don Valley West
February 22, 2022
I am saddened to learn of yet another anti-Semitic incident in a Toronto District School Board middle school. This time, the incident occurred in Valley Park Middle School, on the edge of our riding, Don Valley West when three Grade 8 students allegedly performed a Nazi salute and chanted ‘Heil Hitler’ in front of a Jewish teacher.
This incident reflects the 51% spike in hate crimes in Toronto as reported by Toronto Police Services.
Instances of anti-Semitism are chilling, absolutely chilling. Anti-Semitism is real and casts a shadow on the Province as it strikes horror and fear into the hearts of Jewish Ontarians.
There is no doubt the rise of anti-Semitism is the tip of an iceberg of hate in all forms facing our society. If we do not change course, we will surely face disaster.
The most recent incident, one of a number in recent weeks in our middle schools, is absolutely alarming because it involves children. Hate has no place in our community, our City or our Province. Hate certainly has no place in our schools
As one student told me: “I used to think that school was a model of what society could be but I learned that school was just a model of what society is”
I call upon the TDSB to recognize the urgent need to take action to combat hate in our schools. We must create a specific, intentional, measurable strategy to ensure Toronto schools live up to the hopes of students. A school system free of anti-Semitism. A school system free of all forms of hate.
We must protect our schools and our students from hate.
I have reached out to, and I have met this evening with staff of the Toronto District School Board to discuss this growing challenge and offer my support in the development of a path forward. I look forward to working with the Board, students and parents in the coming weeks, months and years.
Irwin Elman
Don Valley West NDP
Candidate in the Provincial election on June 2, 2022
For more information contact Irwin.elman@ontariondp.ca