Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Israel and Antisemitism: Secondary School Education

Monday 29 April 2024 · 4 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial steps include teaching about Israel within the history curriculum covering challenges since 1901.
  • Discussions with devolved nations' counterparts are valued for addressing antisemitism in education.
  • Islamophobia is addressed alongside antisemitism, with resources like Tell MAMA to combat incidents.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Education Community Security
Context

The rise in antisemitism in education since October 7th has been reported, leading to concern about the impact on secondary schools.

Question

What steps are being taken to support education on Israel and antisemitism in secondary schools? My right hon. Friend is clearly right that the rise of antisemitism in schools—or anywhere—is absolutely unacceptable. One cause is the failure of schools to teach children about the history of Israel, leading to widespread ignorance.

Answer from Damian Hinds

I appreciate what my hon. Friend says. History is an important subject; learning about Israel and the wider region can be covered in history, for example under the 'challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world since 1901' theme. We do not specify individual historical events except for the holocaust.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The review of curriculum specifically on Israel's history

How: We Do Not Specify Individual Historical Events In Our National Curriculum

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Q2 Bob Blackman Con Harrow East
Northern Ireland Community Security
Context

The Minister has responded positively to concerns about antisemitism in schools. The Northern Ireland example of developing understanding between communities is cited.

Question

What discussions has he had with counterparts in the devolved nations, particularly in Northern Ireland where nationalists and Unionists have developed mutual understanding? Has there been a chance to discuss introducing compulsory education on combating antisemitism?

Answer from Damian Hinds

I value opportunities to speak with colleagues in the devolved Administrations. We will have another opportunity soon to discuss these matters.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific details about discussions or plans for compulsory education on antisemitism

How: No Specific Details Provided

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Q3 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Community Security
Context

Islamophobic incidents have been reported, including some from Members of the same party.

Question

Young people need to recognise antisemitism and know about regional history. Right-wing rhetoric and Islamophobia also pose threats. What steps are being taken to ensure both antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate are treated with equal severity?

Answer from Damian Hinds

Islamophobia is unacceptable; Tell MAMA is an important resource for addressing these incidents. We will seek to stamp out anti-Muslim hatred whenever it occurs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or timelines for addressing Islamophobia in schools

How: No Specific Steps Or Timelines Provided

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Q4 Carol Monaghan SNP
Education Community Security
Context

The Minister has acknowledged the rise in antisemitism. A £7 million investment is aimed at tackling this issue.

Question

What steps are being taken to support education on Israel and antisemitism? The failure to teach children about Israel's history leads to ignorance, as seen with Jewish occupation for over 3000 years and the Balfour declaration's impact.

Answer from Damian Hinds

History is important; learning about Israel can be covered in history, specifically under the 'challenges for Britain, Europe and the wider world since 1901' theme.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Conducting a review of curriculum on the history of Israel

How: History Is Covered Through Themes Rather Than Specific Events

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