Antisemitism is widespread in European Union classrooms. Over three quarters of surveyed teachers have encountered antisemitic incidents, says a report from UNESCO. The organization  published these findings to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day .
The study highlights a troubling trend in schools across 23 EU countries . It reveals high levels of Holocaust denial and even physical violence. This report is the first European study of its kind .
Alarming Statistics on School Incidents
The data provides a clear picture of the challenges facing educators . About 78% of teachers saw at least one antisemitic incident between students. Furthermore, 27% witnessed nine or more incidents.
The report also details specific types of harassment and symbols :
- Nazi Symbols: 44% of teachers saw students use Nazi gestures or drawings.
- Physical Attacks: 10% of teachers witnessed physical violence against Jewish students .
- Peer Influence: 42% of teachers reported seeing antisemitism from other staff members .
The Rise of Holocaust Denial
Holocaust denial and distortion are significant issues in modern classrooms. Roughly 61% of teachers reported encountering these views among students . About 11% of educators deal with this problem frequently.
Many teachers feel unprepared to handle these difficult conversations. In fact, 61% could not answer students’ questions about antisemitism at least once. This lack of confidence highlights a massive gap in the education system.
A Critical Lack of Teacher Training
Despite the rising hostility, teachers receive very little support . Seven out of ten teachers reported having no professional training on antisemitism. They do not know how to recognise or address contemporary forms of hate.
Less than one third of teachers took courses from specialist organisations . This situation leaves many educators to manage complex social issues alone . UNESCO is now releasing new resources to help counter these trends .
About the UNESCO Study
The UCL Centre for Holocaust Education developed this survey . Researchers collected data between August 2024 and May 2025 . The study included 2,030 teachers from across the European Union.
Public First disseminated the survey with help from education ministries. It serves as a wake-up call for policymakers across the continent.
Q&A: Addressing Hate in Schools
Why is this UNESCO report significant? It is the first study to track how teachers perceive antisemitism in the EU . It provides data-driven evidence of a growing problem .
How are students expressing antisemitic views? Students use Nazi symbols, perform gestures, and deny historical facts . In some cases, this hostility leads to physical attacks on Jewish peers .
What is the main barrier to solving this issue? A major barrier is the lack of professional training for teachers . Most educators do not have the tools to address hate speech effectively .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What percentage of teachers saw antisemitism? The survey found that 78% of teachers encountered at least one incident .
Is Holocaust denial common in EU schools? Yes, 61% of teachers have encountered Holocaust denial or distortion among students .
Who conducted the survey? The UCL Centre for Holocaust Education developed the survey for UNESCO . It was supported by the European Commission .