‘Taking a stand against antisemitism’ draft curriculum to begin in grades 7 – 9 in Alberta Schools

Jewish Federation of Edmonton and Calgary Jewish Federation are pleased to share the following announcement from the Alberta government – that they are Taking a Stand Against Antisemitism.

The announcement was made on Jan. 27, 2025, just prior to the commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, when the Jewish community in Israel faced its largest targeted and deadly attacks since the Holocaust, antisemitism has been on the rise around the world. “There is no place for hate, discrimination and racism in Alberta and the classroom is no exception.,” reads the Alberta press release. “To make sure all students, including those from the Jewish community feel safe, welcomed and cared for in the classroom, Alberta’s government will ensure that the new draft grades 7 to 9 social studies curriculum will teach students about the prejudice that groups face.”

As part of curriculum development, Alberta’s government engaged extensively with education partners and Jewish organizations in 2023-24 to inform the development of social studies curriculum. Later this winter, additional engagement will begin to ensure that inclusion of this content in the new curriculum will enable students to take a stand against rising antisemitism.

“I firmly believe we must do everything possible to combat rising antisemitism and educate young Albertans about the realities of antisemitism,” stated Demetrios Nicolaides,  Alberta Minister of Education. Ensuring all students learn about the injustices faced by those who historically were, and continue to be, marginalized, or who have experienced discrimination will help us confront hatred and build stronger communities.”

The inclusion of antisemitism in the new draft grades 7 to 9 social studies curriculum builds upon the Alberta government’s commitment to have students learn about injustices faced by those who historically were, and continue to be, marginalized, or who have experienced discrimination. In November 2023, Alberta’s government made Holocaust education a mandatory component of the social studies curriculum and the newly developed draft K to 6 social studies curriculum also includes content on antisemitism.

“The Calgary Jewish Federation applauds Alberta’s government for taking meaningful action in combating the spread of antisemitism through this critical initiative,” stated Rob Nagus, CEO, Calgary Jewish Federation.  “We also look forward to continuing to work with Alberta’s government on the implementation of Holocaust education in our schools.”

Stacey Leavitt-Wright, CEO, Jewish Federation of Edmonton added, “The Jewish Federation of Edmonton commends the Alberta government for both reaffirming its commitment to mandatory Holocaust education and for equipping students to take a stand against rising antisemitism. By ensuring these critical lessons are part of the learning experience for students, we are fostering empathy, understanding and resilience in future generations. We look forward to further collaborating with Alberta Education in making sure these important teachings are delivered effectively across all grades.”

Alberta Education will continue engaging with the Calgary Jewish Federation, Jewish Federation of Edmonton, and other Jewish organizations as work on the draft social studies curriculum continues. Feedback from these organizations will be used in the decision-making process about when and where students learn about antisemitism in junior high.

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