A new online education resource for the classroom aims to “inoculate” young people against antisemitism.

The Board of Deputies and the Anti-Defamation League have joined forces to launch the free course for secondary schools in the UK which they hope will help to combat anti-Jewish hatred and prejudice..

Board president Phil Rosenberg said the resource addressed the “urgent need” for improved education about Jewish life in the wake of souring antisemitism after October 7.

Instances of antisemitism in UK schools reflect the rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes since the beginning of the war. According to the Community Security Trust (CST), antisemitism affecting schools in the UK rose by 119 per cent in the first half of 2024, from 74 incidents in the first half of 2023 to a record 162 in the first half of this. 

CST found there had been a 204 per cent rise in overall antisemitic incidents year in the year since October 7.

The new Board and ADL programme titled "Jewish Living Online" includes modules on antisemitism, Israel, the history of Jews in Britain, the Jewish lifecycle, festivals and the Torah.

ADL chief executive, Jonathan Greenblatt, said there has been a “global tsunami of antisemitism over the past year. “o combat this rise in hatred, ADL is proud to launch Jewish Living Online in partnership with the Board of Deputies of British Jews.”

The organisation hopes to implement other similar programmes globally, he added.

Rosenberg said: “It is our firm belief that educating about antisemitism must also begin with understanding and identifying with who British Jews are, what Judaism is, and our history, literature and culture.”

The resource has been developed in consultation with educators, policy makers, school leaders and researchers.

“This is a groundbreaking course which will both engage and inform the attitudes of the next generation, inoculate them against the virus of antisemitism and enable them to join us in celebrating the faith, heritage and culture of British Jews,” Rosenberg said.

A spokesperson for the Board added, “This resource will give teachers and pupils the confidence to better understand their Jewish neighbours and build cohesion between different groups.”