Christmas still rules in Australia’s ‘secular’ schools

My patience with Christmas and its omnipresence in public schools each December ran out this year in October.

Shelves were still heaving with Halloween lollies when my daughter’s public school on Sydney’s North Shore sent an email about a “fun competition” being run by our state member, Matt Cross.

Children in Stage 2 (Grade 3 and 4) were invited to submit creative, colourful drawings for a chance to feature on Cross’s end-of-year card for the electorate.

Initially, I felt a spark of excitement. My daughter would usually leap at an opportunity like this. Then I saw the theme: Christmas in Australia.

My heart sank. I knew exactly what my daughter would say: “That’s not for me. I celebrate Chanukah, not Christmas”.

Reading Cross's email ten days after the anniversary of October 7, I found myself in tears — frustrated, exhausted, and deeply sad.

Was it too much? Maybe. But honestly, Jews in Australia have been walking on a knife’s edge. We’ve endured violence, harassment, doxxing, and alienation simply for believing Israel has a right to exist.

Personally, I’ve been targeted by accounts with nearly a million followers. I’ve received threats against myself and my home. I held my daughter as she shook and cried seeing people waving signs emblazoned with a crossed-out Jewish star — a symbol that defines us as a family in so many ways.

Frankly, I was overdue for a cry. But it wasn’t just that.