There has been a major increase in Jewish parental interest in Jewish school enrollment following October 7, a UnitEd study revealed on Monday.
UnitEd is a joint venture led by the Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism Ministry and President Isaac Herzog, and the study was carried out by Rosov Consulting.
The study found that a rise in antisemitic incidents alongside paradigmatic shifts in Jewish identity following October 7 has propelled many parents to seek out Jewish schools for their children.
This surge was particularly apparent in France and North America
In France, inquiries about Jewish schools increased by 27%, meaning around 40% of Jewish children are now in Jewish schools. In North America, 60% of Jewish schools reported increased interest from prospective parents, with 39% of parents considering transferring their children to Jewish schools.
Similar trends were registered in Toronto, with a surge in transfer requests, and in the Netherlands, where the only Jewish school in Amsterdam is now at full capacity and cannot accept more students.
The study also found that Jewish schools worldwide have experienced unique and complex challenges since October 7. Many of these institutions said that they felt unprepared for them.
This includes many educators saying that they lacked the necessary tools to teach about Israel, even though they were the first port of call regarding information for many students regarding Israel and antisemitism.
UnitEd reported that parents and students are turning to Jewish teachers for help in understanding the new expressions of antisemitism in their communities. Further, they are turning to schools to provide up-to-date information about Israel and the war, as well as tools to confront antisemitism and advocate for Israel from a Zionist perspective.
Just 35% of educators said that they felt prepared to handle the current educational challenges.
Nevertheless, this has not stopped Jewish teachers from seeking out employment in Jewish educational facilities, with an increase in requests from Jewish public school teachers to move to Jewish institutions out of a sense of mission.
“The Jewish school has always been the anchor of the Jewish community and the key to its continuity,” says Hana Dorsman, CEO of UnitEd.
“Today, after October 7, its role is even more crucial. If in the past Jewish educators focused on building and strengthening Jewish identity, today, in the face of growing antisemitism and pro-Palestinian expressions, they must also equip students with resilience and coping tools.”
Dorsman added that the coming years will see a mass shift to Jewish schools.
“That’s why it is critical to act now – to ensure that interested families are not deterred and that Jewish schools deliver with skilled educators and quality education.”