Burlington High School Faces Backlash Over Antisemitism Concerns

Anissa Hersh, a concerned parent from Ontario, has made the difficult decision to withdraw her Jewish daughter from Burlington Central High School due to escalating incidents of antisemitism within the educational institution.

Hersh, who resides in Burlington, was troubled by what she perceived as an endorsement of threatening antisemitic messages within the school environment.

The tipping point for Hersh came during a school event on October 7, 2023, where she witnessed a Gaza protest booth with a prominent display labeled ‘Palestine,’ featuring a map that controversially relabeled Israel as Palestine, erasing Jewish history.

Feeling disturbed by these occurrences, Hersh brought her concerns to the attention of the school administration, only to be met with dismissal.

Ontario’s Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, expressed solidarity with Hersh’s worries and emphasized the urgency of addressing antisemitism within the education system.

The Halton District School Board, responsible for overseeing Burlington Central High School, publically acknowledged the incident and assured a thorough investigation into the matter.

A spokesperson for the board reiterated their commitment to combating all forms of racism and discrimination within the school community.

Despite reassurances from authorities, Hersh remained deeply concerned about the school’s response and its suggestion of homeschooling as an alternative, rather than directly addressing the root cause of the issue.

The ongoing unrest has prompted Hersh to contemplate her daughter’s future education and ponder the possibility of relocating to ensure her safety and well-being.

As the safety of Jewish students continues to raise alarms, community leaders and educators are urged to foster an inclusive environment that is free from racism and discrimination.