The new report overviews educational policies and practices against antisemitism in the Visegrad countries

Berlin, April 6, 2022 — ENCATE today published a mapping report that presents an overview of educational policies and practices addressing antisemitism in the Visegrad Group countries. The report intends to help practitioners and policymakers understand the status quo and coordinate their responses.

The report draws on the studies on antisemitism published in the region and the interviews conducted with experts, researchers, teachers, and Jewish community members in 2021. Written by Anna Makówka-Kwapisiewicz, the report resulted from the cooperation of KIgA e.V., ENCATE, and Jewish Association Czulent.

“The efforts and practices covered in this report have reminded us that we can only confront hatred and ignorance through coordinated and informed action,” said Emrah Gürsel, KIgA Co-Director.

The study consists of five sections. Section 1 provides background information and introduces the reader to relevant policies and penal measures. Section 2 examines Holocaust commemoration activities, and Section 3 looks at relevant government policies, including textbooks, curricula, and teacher training. Finally, Section 4 introduces civil society good practices, and Section 5 shares recommendations for authorities and civil society.

Some key recommendations:

Efforts should not be limited to schools but rather constitute a common element of education about society.

Systemic support for civic education needs to be established, including the development of critical thinking based on analysis of global events.

Reflection on the Holocaust should be a source of education on human rights issues, including prejudice, discrimination, xenophobia, racism, and antisemitism.

Decentralization and freedom of choice are necessary for teachers to create solutions to antisemitism. Systemic solutions should support teachers in their professional development.

The negative emotions towards Roma people and the LGBT+ community remain high; thus, education about genocide mechanisms should change attitudes towards such groups most at risk of discrimination.

OSCE, UN, EU, and other international organizations should cooperate when establishing development and support strategies for NGOs.

Local cooperation between minority groups, police officers, schools, and municipal authorities is essential to addressing antisemitism.