Text Interview: Countering Antisemitism & Hate
Lynne Azarchi and Harlene Galen are the co-authors of Countering Antisemitism & Hate: A How-To Guide for Youth (8-18), Family, & Educators. Thanks to both of them for answering a few questions from The Book of Life!
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Lynne and Harlene, what is the book about and what inspired you to write it?
In late 2021, Lynne conducted a listening session for the Greater Princeton Jewish community under the auspices of her local Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). What we heard was that while antisemitic incidents were increasing, Jewish youth were suffering shame and trauma and that parents and educators did not know what to do.
But after more than 21 years as Executive Director of the Kidsbridge Youth Center in suburban Trenton, NJ, Lynne knew what to do! And with 16 years as a Kidsbridge Board member and Chair of the Kidsbridge Education Committee, Harlene also knew what to do! For two decades at Kidsbridge, we have provided students of all faiths with ‘evidence-based’ (proven successful) anti-bias strategies that youth learn, practice, and use.
We wrote this book to inspire youth, parents, grandparents, and educators to support Jewish youth and push back against antisemitism safely. Its contents provide facts and research to demonstrate that our society and our youth — as early as elementary school — do suffer from antisemitism. We encourage Jewish parents, grandparents, and communities to care about ALL Jewish children, not just their own. No need to wait for an antisemite incident before giving kids the empowerment they’ll require to deal with it.
We all know that antisemitism is at a record high level. Please explain how your book can help with this problem.
An identifiable characteristic of life today is the expectation of the instant answer, the search for and finding of “one and done”. No such resolution for the antisemitism problem exists. However, research supports that 1) ongoing building of a firm foundation of Jewish identity and pride coupled with 2) learning and practicing safe, effective strategies for action when antisemitic incidents occur, does move the needle toward solution. Our guidebook offers both.
Jewish children will encounter antisemitism; it’s not a question of IF but WHEN. How do we prepare them without scaring them? And how young should we start?
Effective preparation is cumulative with developmentally-appropriate explanations and practice activities at each level. Parents and teachers need to self-monitor to always spend much more time celebrating identity than warning about antisemitism. This balance encourages feelings of pride over feelings of fear. Pair honesty with reassurance. Integrating books is key. Make sure to include mirror books that show characters who relate to or practice their Judaism in the same way that your children do.
For ages 3-6
Focus on fairness and kindness toward others; noticing and accepting likenesses and differences in appearances — skin color, hair; preferred toys/games; food, etc. Begin to introduce and practice traditions. For preparing children, be sure to tell them, “Some people may not understand these traditions and that is OK. We know the traditions are special to us.”
For ages 7-11
Children’s understanding of empathy is broader at this age. Provide opportunities for them to practice self-empathy as well as empathy for others. Through stories and conversation, help children identify instances of unfairness. Introduce and practice calming as a first strong step when unfairness happens. Assure them - “It’s not your fault.” Suggest safe sentences to say in a bias situation, such as, ”That’s unfair.” Have children role play simple scenarios to practice calming and also speaking out, if they are comfortable enough.
For ages 12 -14
Often middle schoolers are trying to feel included, so peer dynamics become increasingly important and challenging, and biases like antisemitism increase. Prepare youth by letting them know that it’s OK to feel hurt or angry when an antisemitic incident occurs. Demonstrate and provide practice for being assertive, and include antisemitism scenarios for them to role-play calming and assertiveness. Discuss reporting to a trusted adult and have them compose a list of the characteristics of a trusted adult. Then have them role-play reporting to a trusted adult.
For ages 15-18
At this level of maturity, youth need to be treated as partners with adults in problem-solving. To prepare teens, help them to reflect critically on the antisemitic situation. First listen to the teen. Then offer choices, such as, speak up yourself (direct), report (indirect), act with allies (mobilizing peers). Next, support and empower the teen (give agency) to decide and move forward on their chosen action.
Your book contains many exercises and activities. Can you tell us about any favorites?
We consider the following to be foundational:
Calming — Why? Calming one’s mind and body is the first crucial step to success with any strategy. Most of the calming techniques for which we provide step-by-step directions can be done discreetly, a plus for some youth.
The T.E.A.M. Approach: Together Eliminate Antisemitism Momentum — Why? Together parents and children can achieve success faster. The momentum generated through joint empathetic action not only strengthens the bonds of belonging and enjoyment but also accelerates advancement to the decrease of antisemitism.
Jewish Partisans and Righteous Gentiles – Why? Often we members of the Tribe focus on the centuries of discrimination, stereotypes, vitriol and physical violence toward us — the problem. We can turn the tables by centering on those Jewish ancestors and their non-Jewish allies who resisted — seeking the solution. We can expand our own and our children’s knowledge base.
As you know, I am passionate about children’s literature. How can books help counter antisemitism and hate?
All humans learn through three primary means – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Frequently, characters and environments we experience in books influence us more than what we hear or what we experience in life. The beauty of books is that they do not disappear, but are friends who remain to be read again whenever we wish. For youth from infancy through adolescence, learning about countering antisemitism and hate from books “sticks.” Here are a few suggested titles:
We’re Different, We’re the Same by Bobbi Jane Kates, illustrated by Joe Mathieu, for ages 3-6
The text and illustrations include both mirrors and windows so children can see their own and others’ physical characteristics and feelings. This book helps readers accept both likeness and difference.
The Terrible Things by Eve Bunting, illustrated by Stephen Gammell , for ages 7-11
Little Rabbit experiences the difficulty of standing up for what he knows is right when the one he faces is bigger and stronger than he is. It’s easier for him to look the other way, but if he does, terrible things can happen to other forest animals. In this allegory of the Holocaust, misfortune comes to the forest animals when they do not stand together at the first sign of evil. Parents and teachers can use this story to present developmentally-appropriate concepts about the Holocaust and build a broader understanding of empathy.
Linked by Gordon Korman, for ages 12-14
This intriguing mystery is told in multiple perspectives, revealing how one antisemitic act can expand and connect to prior historical events. It demonstrates the impact of individual and community action in restoring tolerance and harmony and the influence of strengthened peer dynamics.
The City Beautiful by Aden Polydoros, for ages 15-18
Set during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, this award-winning Young Adult historical novel blends a murder mystery with Jewish folklore and explores the Jewish immigrant experiences of 17- year- old main character Alter, friends and family. Antisemitism is a central experience in Alter’s life. The story demonstrates problem-solving in partnership with adults.
For those who learn better out loud, do you offer this content in a workshop or any other formats besides your book?
Yes! Jewish UPstanders offers interactive, engaging in-person and Zoom workshops, including a Jewish educators’ program. We present to JCC’s, Hadassahs, synagogues, Federations, Holocaust education centers, Book Festivals, and more. We offer programs for adults AND for youth.
You can read more about it at https://jewishupstanders.org/programs/
Is there anything else you want to talk about that I haven't thought to ask you?
Yes there is! We want to mention grandparents’ contributions to their grandchildren’s Jewish pride and identity.
We have discovered the unique contributions that Zaydes and Bubbies can offer their grandkids. With today’s ever-increasing demands on parents, precious little time remains for engaging in games, activities, and excursions that build their children’s foundation of Jewish identity and pride.
Grandparents to the rescue! Many DO have more free time, and are elated to spend some of those free minutes with grandchildren. Non-judgmental listening to children may be easier for grandparents than it is for parents. Frequently this leads to grandchildren confiding in grandparents, when they may feel uncomfortable sharing with their parents, including incidents of antisemitic harassment. Longer life experience can help the more mature generation pass on this information to parents without upsetting them or betraying the grandkids’ trust. Close ties with grandparents provide emotional support, modeling, and guidance, which often grow into influences in attitudes and choices, especially in adolescent grandchildren.
Plus “grands” are great storytellers!
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