A recent UNESCO report, supported by the European Commission and published on Holocaust Remembrance Day, reveals that more than three quarters of teachers in the European Union have encountered antisemitic incidents in their classrooms. The survey highlights alarming levels of Holocaust denial, distortion, and physical violence against Jewish students, underscoring a persistent and serious challenge in European schools. Drawing on responses from 2,030 teachers across 23 EU countries, the study provides the first comprehensive European overview of teachers’ perceptions and experiences of antisemitism in the classroom.
The findings indicate that 78% of teachers witnessed at least one antisemitic incident among students, with 27% observing nine or more such incidents. Holocaust denial or distortion was reported by 61% of respondents, including 11% who encountered it frequently. Teachers also reported physical attacks on Jewish students, Nazi gestures, and displays of Nazi symbols. A significant proportion of teachers (61%) admitted they were unable to answer students’ questions about antisemitism at least once or twice, and 42% observed antisemitic behavior among other educators.
Despite these concerning trends, most teachers lack adequate professional training to address antisemitism. About 70% reported receiving no formal training, and less than one-third had participated in external courses provided by specialist organizations. This highlights a critical gap in educator preparedness, particularly in responding to contemporary forms of antisemitism and emerging challenges related to digital media and AI.
UNESCO has responded with a range of resources aimed at supporting educators. These include a handbook offering ten practical strategies to counter antisemitism, a study examining representations of Jews and antisemitism in European school textbooks, and an online course to guide teaching about violent pasts with accuracy and sensitivity. These tools are part of broader UNESCO efforts to promote Holocaust and genocide education, counter hate speech, and address violent extremism in schools, aligned with the EU Anti-Racism Strategy.
In collaboration with the European Commission and the OSCE, UNESCO has also established a dedicated training program on addressing antisemitism, extended to all EU member states by 2025. Since 2023, more than 1,300 educators and policymakers across Europe have participated in these trainings, equipping them with the skills to recognize, respond to, and prevent antisemitism in educational settings.
The report emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive, practical support for teachers to foster safe and inclusive learning environments, ensuring that students are educated in a manner free from prejudice and able to engage with history and contemporary society with understanding and respect.
