Criticism of Teachers’ Federation Over Anti-Semitism Response
Jewish educators and activists are expressing strong discontent with the Teachers’ Federation leadership for failing to adequately combat anti-Semitism within New York City’s public schools. They are particularly upset with the Federation’s endorsement of mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, known for supporting boycotts against Israel.
One educator has even encouraged colleagues to consider halting their union membership fees as a form of protest.
Mosspirun, who leads the Union’s United Jewish Teacher group, criticized the Federation’s lackluster response to anti-Semitic incidents, particularly highlighting issues at Hillcrest High School.
“Where was the UFT? It took almost two weeks for them to issue a statement that didn’t even acknowledge anti-Semitism or the Jewish community,” Spern remarked during a rally aimed at combating Jewish hatred, which attracted around 40 educators and civil rights activists.
“How can we feel safe? When our teachers are attacked, it’s like our union doesn’t even respond. When our rights are violated, they act like we’re important but ignore our real concerns,” he added.
Spern, who teaches high school, shared his personal disappointment with UFT president Michael Mulgrew. His group previously supported Mulgrew during a challenging reelection campaign earlier this year.
What did they get in return? An endorsement of Mamdani, who favors boycotting Israel, after his significant victory against Andrew Cuomo and other competitors.
“Mulgrew said the candidates were the best for the union, but what about Jewish members who backed him?” Spern questioned.
“As a history teacher, I think about how this nation was founded on ‘no representation, no taxation.’ I feel like I can say the same now.” On August 28, 2025, he reiterated this sentiment.
He mentioned that around 150 teachers have sent letters to the union asking to cancel their membership fees, and he plans to personally deliver one of those letters.
Other protesters expressed similar frustrations. Michelle Ahdoot, from End Jew Hatred NY, a Jewish civil rights organization that helped organize the event, stated, “The UFT has failed the Jewish community.” She emphasized a pervasive sense of exclusion, noting, “It appears the UFT only supports you if you’re not Jewish.”
Ahdoot criticized the UFT for backing a mayoral candidate who has not condemned anti-Semitic rhetoric, calling it a continuation of a trend of neglect and indifference toward Jewish equality.
Activists are urging the Federation to adopt the International Holocaust Memory Alliance definition of anti-Semitism, ban hate speech, mandate training on bias against Jews, and withdraw support for candidates who propagate divisive slogans.
Attendee Lizzie Savetsky echoed their calls, urging a withdrawal of support for Mamdani and lamenting that leading candidates hadn’t denounced statements such as “globalization of intifadas.”
“The UFT has a long history of collaborating with and protecting the diverse Jewish communities in our schools and cities,” she concluded.
