Letter: Education is key to fighting antisemitism

Being raised Roman Catholic, I was taught to respect Judaism as Christianity is derived from it. That being said, I am shocked, stunned and increasingly disturbed by the growing wave of antisemitism permeating throughout the United States: swastikas drawn on political signs and garage doors, headstones defaced at the Congregation Am Echod Jewish Cemetery in Waukegan and reprehensible acts of violence directed toward Jews (e.g. the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania).

Antisemitism results primarily through a lack of knowledge and understanding that ultimately leads to harmful comments and/or violent actions. As a now-retired social studies teacher, I strongly feel that the key in combating antisemitism is through education.

While public schools in Illinois are mandated to teach the Holocaust and the Final Solution pursuant to Illinois Public Act 094-0478 since August 5, 2005, much more is needed. For example, during the holiday season, students should be provided the opportunity to learn about Hanukkah and the significance of the menorah.

Conversely, students should also be provided the opportunity to learn of Christmas, Kwanzaa and Kathika Deepam (the Hindu Festival of Lights) from an objective, secular perspective. Instead of sheltering and preventing students from learning of these holidays and their importance, schools should make each holiday a celebration of learning and an opportunity to expand students' knowledge.

This would facilitate greater understanding and empathy while significantly diminishing mistrust, ignorance and baseless stereotypes.

Knowledge is power and education is the key in promoting a society that embraces and celebrates cultural, ethnic and religious diversity. This should be the story that America tells the world and shares with future generations.

Lawrence E. Bonk

Roselle