Kids’ mental health impacted
"The targeting of schools and childcare centres by the perpetrators of this violence is particularly alarming," says Australia's National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds.
Australia’s National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds has expressed concern that antisemitism is negatively impacting Jewish children’s mental health.
Hollonds stated to the National Council of Jewish Women of Australia (NCJWA), “The shocking racism that has affected Jewish communities over recent months is deeply concerning, especially the impact on Jewish children.
“The targeting of schools and childcare centres by the perpetrators of this violence is particularly alarming. The fear and distress experienced by Jewish children because of this surge in antisemitism may increase feelings of anxiety, isolation and vulnerability. We want all children to live in a peaceful, caring and inclusive society in which they can thrive. Ending all forms of racism, including antisemitism, is vital to achieving this.”
NCJWA national president Lynda Ben-Menashe welcomed Hollonds’ remarks.
“It is comforting for our community – especially for parents and schoolchildren – to have this recognition, after the incredibly disturbing scenes we have seen of vile antisemitic graffiti on homes, schools and synagogues and firebombing of synagogues and even a childcare centre,” she said.
Jewish Care Victoria agreed antisemitism is negatively affecting children’s mental health.
“We would add that the effect of antisemitism is not limited only to the more acute or immediate impacts, such as increased distress, fear and anxiety; but also the longer-term more cumulative effect of microaggressions and ‘othering’ and how this can impact young people’s feelings of belonging and identity,” community education and partnerships manager Cassandra Barrett told The AJN.
Jewish Care Victoria is providing assistance through its youth mentoring programs as well as support for parents with its Tuning in to Kids and Teens programs.
JewishCare NSW said it was also “deeply concerned” about the impact of antisemitism on children’s mental health.
“We have received numerous calls from distressed parents – both from Jewish and non-Jewish schools, whose children have either witnessed or been the target of antisemitic incidents, which have left them feeling anxious and fearful about returning to school,” it said.
“Although as a community we are grateful to the CSG and local police for stepping up security measures at both Jewish and non-Jewish schools with significant Jewish student populations, we also recognise that security alone is not enough to address the emotional and mental toll these experiences are having on our children.”
In response, JewishCare NSW is providing mental health counselling to families impacted, as well as casework and advocacy to assist families with navigating challenges faced due to antisemitism.
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