Harmer meets with Jewish Board after anti-Semitic remarks from learner
The SAJBD welcomed Edenvale High’s condemnation of the incident.
Edenvale High School has apologised to the Jewish community and King David Victory Park School following anti-Semitic remarks made by a learner of Edenvale High towards learners from King David.
The remarks were made at Waterstone College during an inter-school one-act play competition on May 17.
Remarks were made during a performance by King David of the Holocaust-themed drama, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.
Wendy Kahn, the national director of the SAJBD, said it was confirmed that at least one Edenvale learner had made offensive comments at the event, for which he had since expressed sincere remorse.
Since the incident the SA Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) and the principal of King David, Mr Andrew Baker, met with Dr Larry Harmer, principal of Edenvale High School, to discuss the matter.
Harmer said he was made aware of the incident on May 18.
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In a letter dated May 29 in response to the incident, Harmer said the meeting had been successful.
“The learner showed immediate remorse once he realised his remarks were hurtful. He apologised several times, pleading that it had not been meant in a malicious or hateful way,” stated Harmer.
“Dr Harmer likewise unequivocally apologised for any offence caused and undertook to work with the SAJBD in introducing, through the Johannesburg Holocaust and Genocide Centre, an educational and sensitivity training programme at his school to prevent any recurrence of incidents of this nature,” said Kahn.
Harmer confirmed this in his letter and also stated that he and Edenvale High School strongly condemn any anti-Semitic or racist behaviour of any kind.
The SAJBD welcomed Edenvale High’s condemnation of the incident.
“The SAJBD further appreciates the willingness shown by the school to implement appropriate measures aimed at sensitising its learners to the importance of avoiding behaviour likely to cause hurt and offence, whether on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity or any other such grounds,” said Kahn.
https://www.citizen.co.za/bedfordview-edenvale-news/241567/edenvale-high-schools-principal-accepts-challenge/
