Ongoing rash of Nazi symbols in Canadian schools is a 'contagion', expert warns

For weeks now, we here at The CJN have been reporting on a wave of antisemitic incidents being reported at public schools across Toronto. Mostly they involve Nazi salutes and swastikas, and the targets have been both students and teachers.

Three new incidents happened late last week—all on the same night. Earlier this year, students made Nazi salutes at two separate schools in Toronto; at a third school, a teacher was suspended for comparing vaccine passports to Nazi-era yellow stars.

It's gotten to the point that even mainstream media outlets are paying attention, while many parents, teachers and school board officials are wondering what is going on. Is it ignorance? Or something more sinister? Professor Barbara Perry, an expert in right-wing extremism who teaches at Ontario Tech University in Oshawa, calls what's happening a "contagion" circulating in the ether. She joins to explain.

What we talked about:

• Read "A suspect is being sought after antisemitic graffiti was found at three Toronto high schools; the latest in a string of hateful incidents" at thecjn.ca
• Read the TDSB report, "Combatting Hate and Racism: Student Learning Strategy", at tdsb.on.ca
• See the full list of the Order of British Columbia at news.gov.bc.ca

Credits

The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network; find more great Jewish podcasts at thecjn.ca.