In today’s connected world, it’s important to help young people understand and engage with global and local events in ways that reject hate. The conflict in the Middle East, which escalated after Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent actions in Gaza, has led to a rise in hate incidents against those perceived to be Jewish, Muslim, or Arab. While such conflicts often trigger spikes in antisemitism and Islamophobia, these forms of hate have deep historical roots and are not always directly linked.

Understanding Islamophobia

Islamophobia is the fear and hostility directed toward Islam and Muslims. Islam, practiced by about 1.9 billion people globally, includes various ethnicities. However, Islamophobia often intertwines with anti-Arab sentiments because Islam is often racialized and associated with Arab people, leading to targeting people perceived as Muslim or Arab, including those of Asian heritage.

Islamophobia can manifest in several ways:

• Institutionalized Discrimination: State activities like mass surveillance, civil rights violations, and anti-Islam laws.
• Ideological Bigotry: Private groups spreading anti-Muslim rhetoric and conspiracy theories.
• Interpersonal Harassment: Hate crimes, harassment, and bullying of those perceived as Muslim.
• Internalized Prejudice: Negative mental health effects on Muslims who internalize anti-Muslim stereotypes.
• Intersectional Discrimination: Islamophobia overlapping with other forms of discrimination, such as antisemitism and gender bias.

These forms often work together. For example, individuals influenced by anti-Islam rhetoric may commit hate crimes or feel justified by anti-Muslim policies.

Understanding Antisemitism

Antisemitism is prejudice and hatred toward Jews based on their Jewish identity. Despite being one of the oldest forms of hatred, antisemitism remains pervasive across different racial, ethnic, and political groups. About 15 million people worldwide identify as Jewish, with about 7 million in the United States.

Antisemitism manifests similarly to Islamophobia, including institutionalized discrimination, ideological bigotry, and interpersonal behaviors, along with internalized and intersectional aspects. Common antisemitic tropes include:

• Portraying Jews as powerful figures controlling governments and institutions.
• Associating Jews with greed and financial manipulation.
• Denying or distorting the Holocaust.
• Accusing Jews of dual loyalty to Israel and the United States.
• Promoting myths like blood libel and deicide.

These tropes perpetuate fear and justify acts of bigotry, fueling antisemitism within various ideologies and social contexts.

Manifestations in Schools

Recognizing these forms of hate in schools is essential for creating supportive and inclusive communities. Antisemitism and Islamophobia in schools can appear as curriculum biases, discrimination, vandalism, harassment, and even assault. Students may face identity-based harassment from peers, teachers, or administrators, which can severely impact their mental health and well-being.

Educators must recognize their biases and strive to create an inclusive environment that acknowledges and respects students’ unique identities. Ignoring race, religion, and ethnicity in the classroom overlooks how these factors shape students’ experiences and learning needs. Addressing identity-based bullying and harassment is critical to ensuring a safe and supportive educational environment for all students.

Media coverage of global events, especially on social media, often promotes polarized views that can incite prejudice and hate. Therefore, schools should be essential spaces for anti-bias education. Educators, parents, and caregivers must work together to support young people during times of conflict, ensuring they receive an education free from bigotry in an inclusive and nurturing environment.