London- 7th February 2024
Findings from a HOPE NOT HATE survey underscore the urgent need for more robust support for educators broaching the Gaza War. Since the 7th of October, StandWithUs UK has experienced an almost 400% increase in demand for educational sessions about Israel in schools.
The programme "Israel Under Attack" by StandWithUs UK has reached over 4,000 teenagers across 25 schools and community groups since its launch. Given the flood of positive responses from students, parents, and educators, the organization has made the presentation accessible online, allowing educators everywhere to benefit.
Moreover, StandWithUs UK has introduced "TeachWithUs," a monthly digest offering educators across the UK valuable information, insights, and materials to aid their discussions on these complex topics.
A concerning statistic from the survey indicates that only 18% of teaching professionals are aware of external resources for assistance in this area. StandWithUs UK is stepping up to fill this void. "We invite educational bodies to reach out. Let's collaborate to ensure our school communities are well-equipped to tackle these conversations with honesty, depth, and engagement," expressed Yehuda Fink, Director of School and Youth Programming at StandWithUs UK.
Adding to this, Fink remarked, "In an era marked by global unrest, it is imperative our young ones are educated on these matters with a balanced perspective. StandWithUs UK is committed to this educational journey, ready to extend our support to schools throughout the country."
About StandWithUs UK:
StandWithUs is an international, non-profit and non-partisan Israel education organisation that works to inspire and educate people of all ages about Israel, as well as challenge misinformation and fight against antisemitism. Founded in 2010, StandWithUs UK has become a recognised support system and leading resource for students on UK campuses. We empower and energise students and communities with leadership training and educational programmes on both school and university campuses. StandWithUs informs through social media, printed materials, digital platforms, film and newsletters. The StandWithUs flagship Emerson Fellowship programme seeks to raise students into future leaders, equipped to stand strong in the face of antisemitism and anti-Zionism. We believe in the right of the Jewish People to self-determination in their historic homeland of Israel. We educate the facts in an unbiased and holistic manner, with an open mind, reflecting on views from all sides of the political, social and humanitarian spectrum whilst promoting peace. StandWithUs UK believe the current discourse surrounding Israel on campus all too often crosses the line between legitimate criticism of Israel’s policies and the dangerous, mainstream, antisemitic rhetoric which stands contrary to the IHRA definition of antisemitism. We work to educate on that distinction, encourage civil discourse on legitimate criticism of Israel, and to fight antisemitism wherever it emerges.
