Pupils praised for response to ‘Free, free Palestine’ provocation at Auschwitz

Immanuel College students have been commended for their resilience following an anti-Israel incident during a visit to Auschwitz.

A Year 12 group from the Bushey school encountered chants of “Free, free Palestine” from Swedish students while touring the memorial site. According to trip leader and deputy head teacher Rabbi Yoni Golker, the remarks targeted students displaying Israeli symbols.

The incident, described as “upsetting but minor” by Golker, involved a small number of Swedish students making comments such as “Why are you wearing those disgusting flags?” Security officers intervened, issuing a verbal warning to the group and Swedish teachers later apologised.

Golker praised the maturity of the Immanuel College students, stating they handled the situation with pride and resilience, choosing not to engage. He also noted that the incident reinforced the educational value of the trip, highlighting the ongoing need to confront antisemitism.

“The students processed the antisemitic views they encountered, leaving with a stronger belief in the power of education,” he said. “Comments like that are very dangerous and underline the importance of such trips.”

He added: “Welcome to immersive Holocaust Education 2024 and the surreal reality of students experiencing antisemitism in Auschwitz-Birkenau. It’s beyond belief: on the very same day, a pogrom takes place in Amsterdam, and as we stand together by a mass grave, I have to remind them that, 80 years later, our children are still being buried underground in Gaza’s dungeons.

“When I completed my master’s in Jewish education, I wrote a thesis of how a week on an educational trip in Poland could achieve more than a year in the classroom. This week proved it. These students faced moments of deep challenge and resilience, learning life lessons they’ll carry with them forever. They showed incredible strength, standing firm in their identity even when tested.”