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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

'Police every day': How school is different for Jewish Australian kids

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Jewish schools in Australia are implementing daily police presence and enhanced security measures due to antisemitic threats.
  • Parents face significant financial burdens from security levies, which have increased substantially since October 7, 2023.
  • The heightened security impacts students' well-being and diverts resources from educational activities, with schools collectively spending millions on security.

Jewish schools across Australia are grappling with the reality of daily police presence and heightened security measures, a stark contrast to the norms for most Australian parents. Principals describe the situation as a sad necessity, where children greet armed guards as part of their school routine.

We have a police presence every day.

— Linda EmmsPrincipal of Emanuel School, describing the security situation at her institution.

"We have a police presence every day," stated Linda Emms, principal of Emanuel School, during testimony at the Royal Commission into Antisemitism and Social Cohesion. She noted the bittersweet nature of students interacting positively with police, highlighting the underlying concern that such security is required.

The financial strain on parents is considerable. Security levies, which contribute to operational and capital costs, have reportedly increased by as much as 250 percent since the Hamas attacks on Israel in October 2023. While government funding covers only about 30 percent of these costs, parents often pay annual levies exceeding $1,000, raising concerns that the rising expense could deter families from choosing Jewish education.

These conversations are a part of every aspect of our school community.

— Dan SztrajtPrincipal of Mount Scopus Memorial College, on the pervasive nature of security concerns.

Beyond the financial impact, school leaders emphasized the significant "opportunity cost" associated with prioritizing security. Principal Dan Sztrajt of Mount Scopus Memorial College estimated that 10 to 15 percent of his total work hours are dedicated to security matters. This focus diverts attention and resources from core educational functions. The Australian Council of Jewish Schools estimates that 18 Jewish schools have collectively spent $58 million on security between 2022 and 2025.

It pains me tremendously to think of the horrendous opportunity cost that the security focus takes away from our school.

— Dan SztrajtPrincipal of Mount Scopus Memorial College, on the impact of security on educational priorities.

School representatives expressed a preference for not needing such extensive security, but acknowledged its current necessity. The constant security measures also raise concerns about the psychological impact on students, with Tyson Wodak, president of Bialik College, worrying about children internalizing the need for such protection and feeling separate from the broader Australian community.

Many of our families are making sacrifices financially to have their children at a Jewish school.

— Linda EmmsPrincipal of Emanuel School, discussing the financial challenges faced by parents.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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