Story perspectives

UNESCO Survey: 78% of European Teachers Encounter Antisemitism

1/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

A UNESCO survey finds 78% of European teachers witnessed antisemitic incidents in schools, with rising Holocaust denial amid geopolitical tensions.
The survey links antisemitism to anti-Zionism, with 43.6% of teachers reporting hateful comments about Israel.
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany noted that hate speech has reached unprecedented levels.
In the United States, over 60% of K-12 teachers faced antisemitism, and European governments are urged to provide targeted training for educators.

History

Historical Context

The Holocaust Education Act of 1994 emerged amid a 54% rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S., reflecting a broader concern about rising hate. The Holocaust, which saw the systematic murder of six million Jews from 1941 to 1945, remains a pivotal symbol of human evil. Today, 78% of European teachers report witnessing antisemitism in schools, underscoring the need for effective education and training.

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Story summary

A UNESCO survey finds 78% of European teachers witnessed antisemitic incidents in schools, with rising Holocaust denial amid geopolitical tensions.
The survey links antisemitism to anti-Zionism, with 43.6% of teachers reporting hateful comments about Israel.
UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany noted that hate speech has reached unprecedented levels.
In the United States, over 60% of K-12 teachers faced antisemitism, and European governments are urged to provide targeted training for educators.

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