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Upon being Jewish in the South

A couple years ago we moved from a suburb of NYC to The South. It’s not Deep South but it’s South enough.

At his new school my 16 yo mentioned he was Jewish. We are not observant or religious but it’s part of his identity. He didn’t realize the shit he would get every day. He grew up thinking being Jewish is no big deal, it’s different but common enough. Here, my son is possibly the first Jewish person some of these kids have ever seen in real life. Some of the kids (ones often wearing all camo or american flag clothing) tease him every day. Tease is not the right word. They snap heil hitler signs at him as often as possible. They say things like “Gas, hehe you know all about gas” or other weirdly non-funny holocaust themed jabs. not to mention stuff about space aliens and controlling the media. And of course, his nose.

What would you do in this situation? He knows in his heart that talking to the principal or teachers will get him more attention than he would ever ever want.
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HikingMan · 51-55, M
Your recourse is to first document the harassment using a journal, and as much phone video or recordings as can be made.
Then lodge a criminal complaint.

Just because there's a ton of idiots and bigots there, it shouldn't mean he should have to deal with that.

Turning a blind eye won't solve anything.
Even if you manage to keep him from getting angry or reprisal, this thing is probably already taking a huge toll on his self-esteem and confidence.

Fighting back by himself will be used against him, and quite possibly result in unexpected consequences.

I'd also suggest that you record all conversations with any officials about the matter regardless of who they are. Those kids and that culture didn't start yesterday.

I'm sorry he's dealing with such a rotten set of circumstances.

Failing all else, moving is also an option. Even if it feels like giving up, it's more like walking away from a no-win situation.

Best of luck.
Be well
Live happy
Die trying,
Rob