UPDATE: Jewish students from Mount Scopus Memorial College faced a shocking incident of antisemitism during a school excursion at the Melbourne Museum on Thursday, October 19, 2023. High school students from a different institution chanted “free, free, Palestine” in an apparent attack on the younger students, escalating tensions in what should have been an educational experience.
As the Year 5 group from Mount Scopus was working in the same area of the museum, the chanting erupted, prompting immediate action from the college’s group leader. The leader swiftly confronted the senior educators from the other school to address their students’ behavior. To ensure the safety and comfort of the Mount Scopus students, they were relocated away from the disruptive group.
In a letter to parents, Mount Scopus confirmed that they are taking this incident seriously. The college stated they will follow up with the principal of the other school involved. “Upon returning to the college, we conducted a wellbeing check on all students to ensure they felt safe and supported,” the letter disclosed.
Parents who are concerned about their children’s emotional wellbeing following this incident are encouraged to reach out to the college’s psychologists and senior staff for support.
The Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) was alerted to the incident by parents of the students on the excursion. CEO Naomi Levin confirmed that the JCCV has notified the Victorian Department of Education about the matter, urging officials to address the situation. “It is completely unacceptable that our youngest community members are being targeted,” Levin stated, referencing the alarming findings of the 2024 Victorian Antisemitism Report, which highlighted a record number of antisemitic incidents aimed at Jewish schools and students.
Levin emphasized the need for educational initiatives to combat antisemitism, stating, “The JCCV will continue to work with the Department of Education to facilitate more opportunities for Victorian students to visit the Jewish Museum of Australia, the Melbourne Holocaust Museum, and participate in Courage to Care programs.”
The call for action resonates deeply in the community, as parents and advocates push for a safer and more inclusive environment for all students. The incident has sparked outrage and concern among the Jewish community, highlighting the urgent need for further dialogue and educational programs.
Mount Scopus Memorial College has been contacted for additional comments regarding the incident. As this story develops, more information will be provided on the response from the other school and the actions being taken by local authorities.
Stay tuned for further updates on this pressing issue.
