The need to combat antisemitism is an urgent concern for all – both Jews and non-Jews – who wish to live in societies that are free from hatred.  

CEJI‘s “Overcoming Antisemitism TTT” equips educators with awareness, skills and tools to counter antisemitic biases and create inclusive environments. The training program and accompanying manual are based on the two-time award-winning project Belieforama™, focusing on educational approaches to change biased attitudes and discriminatory behaviours in order to create inclusive and equitable environments.

If you would like to know more, do not hesitate to get in touch: stephanie.lecesne@ceji.org.  

The Overcoming Antisemitism training course was developed within European Commission funded projects, most notably known as Belieforama™: A Panoramic Approach to Issues of Religion and Belief, which was the first prize winner of the BMW Group Award for Intercultural Commitment. Its predecessor project to develop an innovative training programme to confront discrimination based on religion and belief) was honoured with the Gold Award from the European Commission Lifelong Learning Programme in the category of adult education. The Belieforama™ suite of training programmes, which includes Overcoming Antisemitism, is being offered regularly by CEJI in Belgium to social workers, teachers, NGOs and public administrations. We would like to share this tremendous resource for similar work in other countries. After 15 years of experience with this training programme, the manual is now updated for dissemination through the NOA project and a new cohort of educators.

Participants in training programmes provided by CEJI are not simply deposited with information; they are asked to bring their own experiences, perspectives and opinions as active learners. The trainers use facilitating methods within an anti-bias pedagogical process that is structured and open to deal with emerging issues.

 

  • The training offers a comprehensive approach to address antisemitism in its many manifestations and across a variety of social sectors - youth, schools, sports, interfaith spaces, civil society and public authorities. It is rooted in a pedagogical process which has been proven effective for anti-bias training.
  • A newly developed trainers manual will be provided, rich in activities which can be selected “à la carte” to respond to a variety of contexts and learning needs, that equips participants to address some of the most pressing pedagogical issues locally.
  • After the training, the new trainers will be coached in developing their own long term and self-sustainable local strategy and will deliver at least 2 workshops during the next year.
  • New trainers will be brought into the emerging NOA community of practice, where each person and organisation has a unique role to play in achieving an inclusive and democratic Europe where Jewish communities thrive.

The objectives of the Overcoming Antisemitism training module which TTT participants will deliver are to:

  • Be better able to recognise antisemitism in its traditional and modern forms, as well as understand the similarities and differences with other forms of discrimination such as racism
  • Increase awareness about the diversity of Jewish people, culture and religion
  • Appreciate the presence and history of Jewish communities as part of Europe’s social fabric
  • Explore the causes and effects of antisemitism on individuals, communities and wider society
  • Examine and deconstruct key issues of antisemitism
  • Develop individual skills and strategies to counter stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination, social exclusion and antisemitism
  • Encourage people and institutions to take a stand and work together to prevent and confront antisemitism

About CEJI – A Jewish Contribution to an Inclusive Europe

Founded in 1991, CEJI is a Brussels-based non-profit organisation which aims to create an inclusive and democratic Europe where all people can enjoy their fullest potential with all their diversity. 

CEJI’s mission to contribute to an inclusive Europe derives from centuries of Jewish experience with integration and the difficulties presented by prejudice and hatred. It is the organisation’s belief that we must confront all forms of discrimination including racism, antisemitism, islamophobia, xenophobia, anti-gypsyism, homophobia, ableism and discrimination based upon gender, age and religion. 

CEJI’s focus on the development and delivery of participatory education and training programmes also arises from the Jewish tradition. Education is a core value which has helped the Jewish community re-build itself and thrive through centuries of persecution. Our pedagogical approach is participative; using a dialogical mode of learning that generates empathy and questioning. Just as in the tradition of Talmudic study, the CEJI trainings aim to facilitate a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and thus contribute to a more constructive public discourse and more effective practical strategies to create inclusive environments.