Students at Scheck Hillel learn about their Jewish responsibility to stand tall as advocates of social justice and to care for and comfort those in need….across nations’ borders and the world’s religions. Grades 6-12 took such action in humanities and Judaic Studies classes this week upon the tragedy that occurred in a Pakistani school. Read on to learn how students are making a difference all the way to Washington, DC-in person.
Grades 6-8 wrote letters of condolence for the victims’ loved ones to send to the Pakistani Consulate, and Grade 9 world history classes paused from the scheduled curriculum to examine the shocking events. Students and faculty discussed the roots of the conflict and the motivations and tactics of the militants, and shared feelings about the horrific struggles and loss of too many families. Students expressed their desire to spread awareness locally and to comfort the families and friends of the victims. With those goals in mind, they pledged to highlight their outrage at these horrible events on social media and on campus.
In Grades 10-11, students signed Scheck Hillel’s solidarity poster hanging for all in the Ben Lipson Upper School Circle, which will be delivered to the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington, DC. Click on the image below of the letter accompanying the banner. AP European History students created the hashtag #TheyAreLikeUS about which they are spreading the word. Capstone Seminar’s Judaic Studies seniors discussed the events in class and brainstormed an appropriate response of a moment of silence during club time after the lighting of the Menorah to commemorate the victims of this horrific terrorist attack.
“The message is clear,” said Mrs. Yehudis Benhamou, Social Studies Department Chair and Capstone Seminar teacher. “As Jewish students in Scheck Hillel Community School celebrating our festival of lights, Chanukah, we wish to send messages of hope and light to our fellow students in Pakistan. Stay strong and continue the fight for justice and education for all.”
