Jewish-Canadian mother Kim Werker discusses concerns of sending children to Jewish schools after recent attacks. Parents share coping strategies, challenges in discussing war and antisemitism with kids, and the importance of support networks in the community.
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Quick takeaways
Jewish parents fear for children's safety at school due to recent attacks in Canada.
Challenging conversations with children about antisemitism and security concerns are essential for Jewish parents.
Deep dives
Impact of Attacks on Jewish Schools and Synagogues
The podcast discusses the impact of recent attacks on Jewish schools and synagogues in Canada, highlighting the fear and concern among Jewish parents for their children's safety. The parents share their experiences of explaining such incidents to their kids and the emotional toll it takes. Security measures, additional police presence, and community support play crucial roles in addressing the heightened sense of vulnerability and fear within the Jewish community.
Conversations with Children About Anti-Semitism
The podcast delves into the challenging conversations Jewish parents have with their children regarding anti-Semitism, security concerns, and the complex socio-political landscape affecting Jewish communities. Parents share how they navigate discussing news events, addressing children's fears, and balancing openness with shielding them from excessive worry. Strategies like maintaining high-level discussions, advocating for safety measures, and fostering connections to broader Jewish identity emerge as essential aspects of managing these conversations.
Navigating Anti-Israel Sentiments and Seeking Support
The discussion extends to the complexities of navigating anti-Israel sentiments, the term 'Zionism,' and the societal divisiveness surrounding Jewish identity and Israel. KIm and Mel share their experiences of engaging with sensitive topics on social media, managing differing opinions, and seeking support within and outside the Jewish community. Reflecting on the need for nuanced dialogue, fostering allyship, and the importance of feeling heard and supported amidst escalating tensions are key themes highlighted in their conversations.
Over the past few months attacks that hit Jewish schools, community centres and synagogues have shaken Canada’s Jewish community.
For some Jewish-Canadian parents, there is now a question of whether it’s safe to send their children to Jewish schools.
“Right now, it's a bit fraught to be very Jewish out in the broader world,” says Kim Werker, a Jewish-Canadian mother with a 13-year-old son.
We speak to Werker and another Jewish-Canadian mother about these concerns, how they’ve been coping and how challenging it has been to talk to their children about the war in Gaza and antisemitism in Canada.