Exam question about Jewish homeland leads to apology from B.C. school district

A B.C. school district is apologizing for an exam question given to elementary students on whether Jewish people deserve or need a homeland.

The test asked for two responses: an argument for why the state of Israel should exist, and why it should not.

The Burnaby School District confirmed the question was in a social studies exam for Grade 6 and 7 students and that it launched an investigation immediately.

The district would not go on camera, but instead released a statement calling the question “deeply concerning,” adding that it’s taking steps to address the harm.

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“We need a comprehensive plan to combat antisemitism,” Ezra Shanken, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Vancouver, told Global News. “Help educate these teachers and these administrators around why charged subjects like this don’t help us in creating a balanced dialogue.”

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In addition to the Burnaby school, a Victoria parent told Global News that a handout on Israeli occupation was given to her Grade 6 son days after the Hamas attack on Israel Oct. 7.

Global News contacted the Greater Victoria School District but did not immediately receive a response.