Sunday Times school of the year links Holocaust to Israel’s conflict with Hamas
EXCLUSIVE: In a now deleted post, Abbot's Hill's deputy head said, 'Commemorating HMD or being Jewish does not mean condoning atrocities in Gaza'
A top independent girls’ day school in Hemel Hempstead used Holocaust Memorial Day to draw moral equivalence with Israel’s conflict against Hamas in Gaza.
Abbot’s Hill School was named the Independent 11–16 School of the Year 2026 by The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide and annual fees start at around £15k.
A now deleted public post to its Facebook group on 27 January, attributed to senior deputy head Jennifer Davison, read: “This year, following a powerful talk from Marianne Lederman from Stevenage Synagogue in our senior assembly, we reminded students that commemorating HMD or being Jewish does not mean supporting the policies of the Israeli government or condoning atrocities in Gaza.”
She continued: “Education and awareness must remain consistent, even when global politics make these topics complex” adding “schools have a vital role in helping young people learn to question disinformation, confront prejudice, and hold multiple truths at the same time – now more than ever.”
Responses to the post were swift and furious, with angry parents denouncing the post as “atrocious”, and an “horrific statement by someone educating future generations”.
Another directly quoted a Holocaust Educational Trust statement issued in the wake of a Hampshire town council promoting a Holocaust remembrance event erasing Jews from its memorial and multiple BBC presenters failing to mention Jews when describing the number of Holocaust dead.
Responding to Jewish News, headteacher Sharon wrote: “Abbot’s Hill School marks Holocaust Memorial Day each year through a dedicated assembly and educational activity focused on remembrance and historical understanding. A recent social media post relating to this was removed after it was brought to our attention that it caused offence. We remain committed to delivering Holocaust education with care and respect.”
In the wake of the widespread criticism, Abbot’s Hill initially amended the post on Wednesday morning before finally deleting it entirely on Thursday.
The school has declined to comment further, or clarify whether they stand by Ms Davison.
It is unclear whether Ms Lederman is aware of the statement and Stevenage Liberal Synagogue has not responded to requests for comment.
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