A recent study reveals that a significant number of Jewish educators in the U.S. have faced or observed anti-Semitism in their schools, which, I think, is quite unsettling. The survey included 584 teachers from K-12 public and non-Jewish private schools nationwide, and interestingly, it found that 61.6% had encountered anti-Semitic incidents. Even more concerning, 45.5% indicated that this animosity came from their own unions.
“As a Jewish public school educator, these findings are alarming but, well, not entirely surprising,” Alison Browning, who leads the National Education Association Jewish Affairs Caucus, shared in a statement.
In the survey, it was noted that while around 65% of the respondents mentioned that their workplaces mandate anti-bias training, only 10% reported that this training included any focus on anti-Semitism. That’s, frankly, a bit shocking!
Since the tragic attack by Hamas on October 7, where over 1,200 individuals lost their lives, there’s been a noticeable spike in anti-Semitic occurrences within public schools. It’s almost like a ripple effect; you can see this hostility escalating.
“Post the October 7 incident, we’ve witnessed an unfolding crisis concerning anti-Semitism. It’s disheartening that so many Jewish educators find themselves in toxic environments, often lacking adequate backing from both administrators and unions,” StandWithUs Executive Director David Smokler pointed out.
In an alarming example, a Jewish teacher at Jamaica’s Hillside High School was trapped in his classroom while students attempted to force their way in during a riot that lasted nearly two hours, ignited by his participation in a pro-Israel rally.
Additionally, last December, a principal in Brooklyn turned down a parent’s request to have a Holocaust survivor speak at a school event, citing disagreements regarding the principal’s views on Israel. This month, there was another uproar among parents at a Brooklyn technical high school when teachers began incorporating anti-Israel films and books into the curriculum, neglecting to present any Israeli viewpoints. Quite frustrating, right?
Interestingly, Jewish educators in New York City have also expressed support for Socialist Mayor Zoran Mamdani, who has made controversial statements regarding Israel and has been criticized for the United Teachers Union’s inaction against anti-Semitism in the city’s public schools. It’s a tangled web, honestly.
