Antisemitism Then and Now

Antisemitism has been called “history’s oldest hatred” —but its persistence and evolving forms continue to impact Jewish communities around the world, including here in Canada. This timely and essential session explores antisemitism through both historical and contemporary lenses, empowering educators to recognize and address it with confidence and clarity in their classrooms. Participants will examine the roots of antisemitism in Europe—its religious, political, and racial manifestations—and how it contributed to the conditions that made the Holocaust possible. From there, the session will turn to modern expressions of antisemitism, exploring how age-old tropes are repackaged in contemporary discourse, online hate, conspiracy theories, and acts of violence. While global trends will be addressed, special attention will be paid to antisemitism in the Canadian context, including incidents in schools, media, and public discourse. Through interactive discussion and practical resources, this session will help educators identify various forms of antisemitism—both overt and subtle—and understand its intersection with other forms of hate. Participants will explore how to foster a classroom environment grounded in empathy and inclusion, using strategies that support allyship, critical thinking, and constructive dialogue.