At a young age, I learned that I would have to be my own advocate. This was definitely the case when it came to school. My parents did not speak very good English when I was in elementary school. As well, they were intimidated by authority figures so the idea of meeting with a principal most likely created a lot of anxiety.

As I point out in my memoir, OUT FROM THE SHADOWS at a young age I would write notes to the teacher for my mom. Then one year, I submitted my mom’s forged signature to the school office. I signed my own notes and report cards and my parents were totally out of the loop.

One year I decided I didn’t want to sing Christmas songs in class. I don’t remember my age but I was still in elementary school. I don’t know why I decided to take this stand. It didn’t feel right to me. Twinkle Twinkle, Little Star is one thing but carols like Away in a Manger mentioned baby Jesus. As a child of Holocaust survivors, I already felt different that everyone else.

This was before diversity and inclusion were buzz words in Toronto’s public school system. Back then, Christmas was everywhere in the school. There were trees and decorations, and the school held a Christmas concert (not a winter holiday concert) before the winter break. You practiced the songs the class was going to sing in the classroom. Now back then I was a shy and introverted child. The fact that I refused to go along was a strong indication of how strongly I felt about it.

This must have caused a dilemma for my teacher but she accepted it. I did not have to sit in class while the other students sang their Christmas songs. Instead I sat in the library. When the day of the concert arrived, I sat in the audience with family members. My parents didn’t attend because they worked. And all was forgotten for a year. I learned that the next Christmas concert would include one Hannukah song. I didn’t make a fuss that next year. The class practiced the songs for the concert and I sat in class but didn’t sing except for the one song Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel.

The environment in the school system has changed a lot in 60 years. With diversity and inclusion, Christmas rarely is allowed to make an appearance. But at the same time, there is also a growing animosity towards Jews. I wonder how a young Willie would handle today’s environment.