Helpline launched for Massachusetts students experiencing antisemitism

BOSTON - A helpline has been launched in K-12 schools in Massachusetts to provide pro-bono legal assistance to parents whose children are experiencing antisemitism. The helpline was created by the Anti-Defamation League along with Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and StandWithUs.

Peggy Shukur is Vice President of ADL East Division. She says since October 7, when Hamas militants attacked Israel , there's been a dramatic uptick in antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools. "So, we realized that we needed to do more to really provide better assistance for families that were really suffering from really pernicious antisemitism in schools that was not being addressed," Shukur said.

Parents and administrators can now use the "K-12 Antisemitism Legal Line" to report incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation or violence that may call for legal action.

Incident at Marblehead High School

David Magen is a sophomore at Marblehead High School. He says he faced antisemitic schoolwork material in one of his classes last year. "Several homework assignments that denied the existence of Israel. And having the land Israel Judea being referred to as Palestine was an instant red flag to me, because I knew the history and I knew the dates and I knew that something was not right," Magen said.

The Louis D. Brandeis Center has seen this happening across the country. "We are taking a lot of calls from parents who were disturbed by the curriculum. It's certainly becoming a problem. Classes of this nature providing a very slanted and biased history of Middle East," Brandeis Center Vice President and General Counsel L. Rachel Lerman said.

David says he ended up writing a counter statement to get the curriculum changed and removed from the high school. He feels the new helpline could be a major assistance to many of his fellow Jewish classmates. "I think that a lot of Jewish students can recognize antisemitic material in their schools. But they are not necessarily willing do anything about it or know what to do. I think the helpline could definitely help a lot with that," David said.

Jewish students concerned for safety

As the anniversary of Oct. 7 draws near, many Jewish students like David are concerned for their safety. And they are glad this helpline, which is now up and running is available if needed.

"I do have some worries on Oct. 7th there might be another daylong massive spike in antisemitism, and I am worried about that for my safety and safety of others," David said.

Which is why ADL says they are standing by and ready to help families who may need legal counsel.