Conversations that Matter: Understanding and Discussing Antisemitism with Young People

All young people have the right to feel safe, supported, and welcomed in school. Many do not.    

In recent years, antisemitism has surged in the U.S and around the world. Young people are increasingly experiencing, witnessing, watching and, in some cases, perpetrating antisemitism at school. Many students who are Jewish, targeted by antisemitism, feel unsafe, afraid, vulnerable, excluded and isolated in school. They may feel powerless that there’s anything they can do about it.   

Acknowledging that K-12 schools need to do more to educate all students about and address antisemitism, this resource is intended to help parents, families and other trusted adults in young people’s lives. 

The guide includes the following topics:  

• How does antisemitism manifest in schools and communities?

• What does the data say: antisemitism in schools, communities and online. 

• The psychological impact of antisemitism on young people (emotional, physical, cognitive, behavioral and academic indicators). 

• Strategies for parents and trusted adults to help young people cope.

• Empowering young people by engaging them in allyship, advocacy and activism. 

This resource was created in collaboration by ADL and the Association of Jewish Psychologists.