Year 10 RE Conference – Exploring Antisemitism
On 24th May, the Year 10 students at our school participated in a Religious Education Conference on antisemitism and the Holocaust, aiming to foster empathy and understanding through historical education, discussions, survivor testimonies, and reflective activities.
On 24th May, the Year 10 students at Bishop’s took a meaningful break from their regular timetable to participate in a Religious Education (RE) Conference focused on antisemitism and its historical and emotional implications. The conference aimed to cultivate empathy and understanding by exploring the harrowing experiences of Jewish people during the Holocaust and the enduring impact of antisemitism.
The day began with an introduction to the history of antisemitism. Students engaged in discussions about its roots and manifestations over the centuries. This historical context set the stage for the more specific and intense study of the Holocaust that followed.
In the subsequent sessions, students were introduced to the Holocaust, learning about the systematic persecution and genocide of six million Jews by the Nazi regime. The sessions were designed not just to inform but to provoke deep reflection and empathy. One significant aspect of the conference was examining how Jewish people maintained their faith during such unimaginable adversity. This included exploring personal stories of resilience and spiritual strength in the face of extreme persecution.
A particularly poignant question addressed during the conference was “Where was God during the Holocaust?” This challenging inquiry encouraged students to think deeply about faith, suffering, and theodicy, fostering a nuanced understanding of how individuals grappled with their beliefs amidst the horrors they faced.
The emotional resonance of the conference reached its peak during Period 5 and 6, when students watched a documentary produced by the Holocaust Learning UK. This film featured the testimony of a Holocaust survivor, providing a powerful, personal perspective on the historical events they had been studying. Hearing directly from someone who lived through the atrocities added a profound layer of reality to their learning, making the lessons of the day all the more impactful. At the end, the students exercised their empathy by writing a diary entry in the perspective of a Jewish person during Nazi control. Please read some of the entries which are attached to this article.
By the end of the conference, students had not only gained a deeper understanding of antisemitism and the Holocaust, but also developed a greater sense of empathy and respect for those who suffered. This important educational experience has equipped them with the knowledge and emotional insight to becoming an upstander, challenge prejudice and promote tolerance in their own lives and communities.
The RE Conference was a significant part of our school’s commitment to fostering a compassionate and informed student body, and we are proud of our Year 10 students for their thoughtful and engaged participation.
