When my daughter's Jewish teacher was out of the room, my daughter overheard two students discussing...?

Question

putting the Nazi symbol on her desk.

Do you understand why I'm mad? Is this what they teach kids in church? Is their conversation criminal? (perhaps conspiracy to commit a hate crime) Should I report it to the school?

- a Jewish atheist

Just for your information (whether it's relevant or not): The two students were black females, so I assume they weren't Jewish, atheist, Budhist or Hindu. I doubt they were Muslim, but you never know - besides, antisemitism (in America) is normally a Christian thing.

UPDATE: The school was informed and the students were repremanded... and they were told if anything like this happens again they will be suspended.

Answer 1

Yes, I would report it! Not only are they promoting hate crimes, but they probably have no idea what they suggest by doing this, they need to learn, have respect and feel the past pain that this issue caused.

Answer 2

Everyone seems to have very well covered the main point of the question, but I feel prompted to address the particular ignorance on the part of those who insist that one cannot be Jewish AND a-theist. I, myself, am Jewish by heritage, but a-theistic by intelligent personal conclusion. Being Jewish does not, in and of itself denote a particular belief system. It is being part of a race of people. Within a given race, individuals may believe, or not believe whatever they have chosen to. They are two entirely separate issues. It would be the same as suggesting that because somebody is an Arab, he must be a Muslim, and if he ain't a Muslim, then he cannot be an Arab LOLOL.
I know people can say anything on the Internet, but it happens to be a fact that I am old enough to have once had a friendly acquaintance with Omar Shariff. He's an avid, and highly accomplished Bridge Player, and we belonged to the same club in London, England. He hung out there a lot when he was over at Sheperton Studios. We both often found it amusing that here we were, an Arab and a Jew chatting amicably together over cocktails. He was no more of a Muslim (which is a belief system) than Charlie Chaplain, but that did not stop him from being an Arab, by inherited race.
I've come across this same misconception quite a few times, so I wanted to take the opportunity here, seeing it again in some of the answers, to clarify the matter.

Answer 3

Wow talk about coincidence. Just the other Sunday my pastor gave a sermon about how to build the best cross so it would burn the longest and what is the best paint to use when defacing a jewish home or synagogue. //end sarcasm

Do you really think this is what they teach in church? Have you been in a church to hear a sermon? That is hate pure and simple. That is two immature, obnoxious boys that dont understand what the Holocaust was and what it meant. Should you be offended? Heck yes. I would take it directly to the parents though. I would confront those parents, because either the parents know and taught them that garbage or they dont know and need to be informed. Report it to the school, but dont expect anything to be done until an actual act is performed.

One of the black teachers at the school I teach at recieved a picture of a hanging when homework was passed in. Did people automatically assume churches were promoting hate? No and neither should you in this case.

Answer 4

I understand why you'd be upset about this, but considering that the people in question are probably teens at the oldest, I'd take it as more of a thoughtless prank than a hate crime. I have teens at home, I know how they think, and they can be impulsive at times.

I'd speak with the teacher about it if for no other reason than to educate the girl's about the potential harm they could have caused, and to prevent it from happening in the future. Maybe suggest that they research the Holocaust and write a report. To be published in the newspaper, of course, thereby educating everyone.

Answer 5

I too do not understand the Jewish atheist thing...very confusing. None-the-less, your question does have an answer.

On a moral side:
Children will be children regardless of influences. Odds are these children have no idea the emotional scaring that is caused by hate crimes and would later regret doing such an act.

On a professional side:
I certainly think that such talk should be stopped immediately, regardless of whether or not it was just talk. this should be reported as soon as you can pick up a phone. Be professional and let the school administration know that you are outraged by this behavior and it should be ceased immediately. Don't call them yelling obscenities or you will get no where.

Overall, the ability to hate is a natural human trait that seems prominent in children who are innocents to the repercussions of their actions. I honestly don't think that anyone taught them or influenced them to say such things. Children can just be mean. But this will be a learning experience for them, they will understand after they are talked to by the school that these things are not tolerated in life or school.

Your situation is bad and good. all can learn from it, but it is never fun when someone makes you feel isolated and singled out. sorry for your daughter's feelings.

Answer 6

I am not sure why you immediately assume that the church has anything to do with that. All training and education begins in the home. If those students were discussing doing such a degrading thing it is stemming from a lack of proper education and respect in the home. Parents instill the first set of morals within a child. Later in life the church, schools, and even peers begin to have influence but the basis is started in the home.

I believe it would be the best thing to report this situation to the school principal and allow them to deal directly with the students instead of putting your child or the teach in the middle of something.

Answer 7

Yes I'd report it or have your daughter do so. Not sure if it's criminal or not, but unless it was vandalism or a threat I don't think it would be.

You should question whether the two kids should be assumed to be christian or not. I'd rather doubt that they are (at least I hope not).

When I was young I dated a christian girl whose father was in a "Aryan Nations" church, basically a Neo-Nazi front. I didn't realize what it was until I attended a weekend camp. Thankfully (and hopefully) these "churches" are few and far between.

Answer 8

As a teacher, I suggest that you report it, but make sure you get some folks on your side. You'll have a better chance of being heard if there are more of you. One person is easier to ignore than a group. This behavior is more likely picked up at home than at a church. Also expect the other children and their parents to deny it unless your child has hard evidence. Also suggest you take a calm, concerned, persistent, businesslike approach. I wish you all the best.

Answer 9

Do you really believe that people teach kids in church to be antisemitic and bigoted and so forth? If you do, then I really feel sorry for you. You don't understand the world at all or at least you don't understand Christians. There are people who are hateful of Jews who are atheists, just as there are people who hate Jews who are Christian and Muslim and Hindu and whatever. Hatred and bigotry is not confined to religious groups. There are also Jews who hate Christians, Muslims who hate Christians, Hindus who hate Christians, atheists who hate Christians, and so on.

But I agree that Jews are picked on more than most other ethnic groups. And I'll even agree that there are some "Christian" churches that preach hatred for Jews, just as there are other groups who preach hatred for whites or hatred for blacks or hatred for Indians or Pakistanis or Muslims or whatever. There is no lack of hatred in this world and just because someone calls himself a Christian doesn't mean that he follows Christ and those who do follow Christ are not perfect. Hatred is part of the fallen world. Something God revealed to your people thousands of years ago.

Answer 10

Of course I can see why you are mad, I would probably report it, but that is just me.

(PS. why would you even consider that some church would teach this?)

****On thinking this through a little more, I believe that perhaps I wouldn't report this but I would have the girls over for movie night, and just happen to show them Schindlers list. Perhaps they need someone to show them why this is wrong without ever having to say anything to them or anyone else. As for the answers to let this go just because they are kids, that is not an answer, hate of any kind should be stopped immediately, but it can be done discretely.

Answer 11

Discussing the possibility of putting a swastika on someone's desk is certainly not a crime. The Dominionists haven't eliminated Freedom of Speech quite yet. Since the "crime" of displaying a swastika wasn't actually committed, you'll have a hard time proving that a conspiracy existed. Please remember you're talking about children, immature human beings who don't fully comprehend the implications of their own speech. Lighten up, friend. Save your outrage for something serious.