Jewish students make contribution to countering antisemitism
Students from Leibler Yavneh College were among 15 secondary schools from around Victoria presenting their ideas about diversity and inclusion to politicians and community leaders at the inaugural Victorian Youth Summit at the University of Melbourne
Leibler Yavneh College at Together for Humanity Victorian Youth Summit
Leibler Yavneh College was the sole Jewish school participating.
Prejudice continues to be a problem in Australia. According to a recent study, one in three Australian teens report experiencing discrimination. The summit shone a light on the issue and was an opportunity for students to engage in advocacy with State leaders on diversity and inclusion.
Members of Parliament and community and religious leaders gathered to watch presentations on ‘Diversity and Connection’ and responded to students’ ideas about how to build and maintain a fair and inclusive society.
The summit was an initiative of Together For Humanity, a not-for-profit educational organisation that has been running diversity education programs in schools for over two decades. After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the summit was the first to be held in Victoria, with the previous five summits taking place in New South Wales. Together For Humanity partnered with the Asia Education Foundation to present the summit.
Zalman Kastel, Dean and Founder of Together For Humanity, says the summit provided an opportunity for students to develop a deeper appreciation of the challenges and rewards of living with diversity in Australia.
He commented: “If we want a more equitable, cohesive Australia where everyone feels a sense of belonging, regardless of their cultural or religious identity, then we need to start in our own backyards, with our own communities.
Students will present proposals that address issues unique to their school and broader communities. On the day, they’ll have the chance to develop potential plans for individual or collective action to address those issues. The idea is that the summit is a catalyst for action out in the world.”
A key focus of the summit was around ‘student voice’. Addressing racism and discrimination in society, students shared ideas and plans on matters of importance to themselves and their local communities.
Leibler Yavneh College’s presentation was about Judaism and anti-Semitism. Specifically, how to combat anti-Semitism and prevent hurtful actions towards Jewish people.
One student shared a personal story of how he was accosted on a tram and was the victim of anti-Semitic slurs.
Students suggested ways non-Jewish members of the community combat racial ignorance and anti-Semitism by understanding what you say, doing your own research/fact check what they read in the media and making a Jewish friend.
Together For Humanity is a not-for-profit provider of educational services that works with schools and their communities to combat prejudice and advance belonging and inclusion.
