Antisemitism Surges in New Zealand Schools
Jewish community leaders express concerns over rising incidents.
Reports indicate a concerning rise in antisemitic incidents affecting students in New Zealand schools. Community leaders are urging increased awareness and care in public discourse to combat the growing hatred they are witnessing.
Concerning Data
According to a survey, a staggering 80% of parents reported their children experienced antisemitic incidents at school last year, highlighting the severity of the problem.
An NZ Jewish Council report documented 227 antisemitic incidents in the 12 months following October 7, 2023. This marks a significant increase from the 166 incidents recorded in the preceding 8.5 years.
Specific Incidents Detailed
Several disturbing incidents have been reported. One Jewish intermediate school student was pushed to the ground and threatened with a stick. Another Jewish student at a New Zealand high school had their shirt vandalized with anti-Semitic slogans and a swastika.
The Israel Connection
Much of the animosity appears connected to the conflict in Gaza, with sentiments against Israel and the IDF fueling antisemitism. One community leader stated:
“Israel is a sovereign nation state. Its government is going to do what its government is going to do. Jewish New Zealanders are not responsible for the actions of a foreign nation state, and Jewish people have all kinds of feelings about what Israel is doing.
—Community Leader
She added, “It’s not antisemitic to criticise Israel, but it is antisemitic to make Jewish people here responsible somehow for the actions of the state, the actions of Israel.”
The Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 59,600 deaths as of July 3, although the figures’ accuracy has been challenged. Recent data indicates a rise in hate crimes motivated by antisemitism globally; for instance, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported a 388% increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. following the October 7th Hamas attack (ADL, 2023).
Call for Reflection
The community leader urged those “who are ramping up this hatred to take pause and to take more care in what you say and what you do and who you will stand beside and what you will stand beside, because we can see the effects of it.”
“The real-life effects of it are impacting the Jewish community.”
She concluded with a warning: “It’s a very worrying time for New Zealanders,”
emphasizing that unchecked hatred can spread and affect the entire society.
In Other News
In a separate development, **Benjamin Netanyahu** has nominated **United States President Donald Trump** for a Nobel Peace Prize, recognizing his efforts to resolve conflicts in the Middle East.
