Holocaust educator says Mamdani could learn from UK’s targeted approach to antisemitism in schools
The UK government has accepted all 27 recommendations from an independent review on antisemitism in schools and colleges in England. Holocaust educator Dov Forman says New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani could learn from the more targeted approach, which sets out how schools should identify and respond to antisemitism and protect Jewish pupils.
The recommendations include encouraging use of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition, specialist training for teachers, stronger reporting procedures and independent oversight. The review found that nearly three in five Jewish people aged 16 to 19 had experienced or witnessed antisemitism. Forman called the measures a minimum starting point, while warning that many are optional and their impact will depend on schools and institutions acting on them; the government plans an implementation group and an independent progress assessment after a year.
In short
- UK accepts all 27 school antisemitism review recommendations.
- Nearly three in five Jewish 16 to 19 year olds reported experience or witness.
- Forman urges Mamdani to adopt clearer measures and definitions.
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The case for
A targeted framework could help schools recognise antisemitism consistently, support Jewish pupils and give teachers practical training and reporting routes. The reported scale of young people’s exposure to antisemitism strengthens the case for clear guidance and oversight, while the UK recommendations may offer lessons for other cities facing similar concerns.
The case against
A framework that relies heavily on optional measures may have limited effect, and adopting recommendations from another country may not fit New York’s schools or local context. Some may also favour broader, locally developed protections over a targeted approach, provided these still address antisemitism effectively and protect Jewish pupils.
Explained simply
Antisemitism means hostility or prejudice towards Jewish people. In England, an independent review examined how it affects pupils and students, including what schools and colleges can do to recognise and respond to it.
The UK government has accepted all 27 recommendations, which include teacher training, clearer ways to report incidents and independent oversight. They are intended to help schools identify antisemitism and protect Jewish pupils; many measures are optional, so their effect will depend on whether institutions put them into practice.
Dov Forman is a Holocaust educator who has argued that New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani could learn from this more focused approach. The issue matters because the review found that nearly three in five Jewish people aged 16 to 19 had experienced or witnessed antisemitism.