Jonathan Frisher interviewed by the BBC about the experiences that led him to campaign for antisemitism education to be made compulsory in schools
Birmingham Progressive Synagogue member Jonathan Frisher has turned his own deeply painful experiences of antisemitism bullying into a remarkable campaign for mandatory education on contemporary antisemitism to be introduced into British schools.
@bbcnews Jewish school pupils are “subject to regular harassment and abuse” and education “takes second place” to security according to an independent review into antisemitism in schools and colleges. #Antisemitism #Education #News #BBCNews ♬ original sound – BBC News
After successfully pushing for a lesson in his own school, and seeing first-hand the difference that education can make, he is now lobbying to ensure all pupils have the opportunity to understand what antisemitism looks like today and the impact it has on Jewish young people.
A petition he started has gained nearly 40,000 signatures, winning support from political and faith leaders across the spectrum.
Interviewed by the BBC this week, Jonathan spoke openly and personally about his own experiences of antisemitism and the impact it can have on Jewish children and families. He said: “Having one single lesson about modern-day antisemitism really did help. Attitudes changed immediately and people did apologise to me. I experienced a lot less antisemitism. If it works in my school, there’s no reason that it can’t work in every school across the country.”
The Movement for Progressive Judaism Co-Leads Rabbi Josh Levy and Rabbi Charley Baginsky said: “This is an incredibly important campaign, and one which has already gained significant support and attention. We’re very proud to have Jonathan as part of our Progressive Jewish community, and to support him as he continues to push for meaningful change.”