Dozens of angry protesters braved heavy rain outside the Brooklyn Museum on Wednesday to protest anti-Semitism in public schools. They claim Prime Minister David Banks has “done nothing” to stop anti-Semitism.
About 35 protesters carrying large Israeli flags and “Education Against Hate” placards showed up at the “Chancellor Banks, What About Brooklyn” rally. The rally was an organized call for the city’s Department of Education to follow through on its pledge to eradicate anti-Semitism from schools. .
The protests followed the Post’s exclusive coverage of rampant anti-Semitism at a Brooklyn high school, where students have allegedly tortured Jewish teachers and classmates since the Hamas-Gaza war broke out in October. It was announced a few days after it was published.
“How did we return to a time when anti-Semitism was not only openly accepted, but taught? The only answer I can give is that we missed the signs. That’s what I mean,” Lisa Lis, a parent of a Jewish public school student, told the rally.
“Antisemitism was and is a warning sign of a sick and broken society, a society largely devoid of truth. This is because antisemitism is different from other forms of hatred and discrimination; means continuing to say that there is an immediate failure in dealing with it.”
Rallyers call on banks to protect Jewish students attending Big Apple public schools, saying they have been increasingly targeted in the months after Hamas’ massacre of 1,200 Israelis on October 7. requested that measures be taken to
Last month, Banks announced a three-pronged approach to targeting hate in schools, focusing on “education, safety and engagement.” The plan included “tangible outcomes” for students and training and support workshops for educators and parents.
However, the plan did little to alleviate prejudice, especially among Brooklyn students.
“Chancellor Banks, you haven’t done anything. We haven’t heard from you. We’re not seeing any improvement, and we’re seeing things get even messier. Every day, these public schools… “Horrifying stories keep coming out,” said Michelle Adout, director of programming and strategy for End Jew Hate, which organized the event. .
“Chancellor Banks, enough is enough. We need answers. We don’t know what’s going on. Is it incompetence or Jew-hatred? I think it’s a little bit of both, but we need some answers. is.”
Former District 19 Superintendent Marty Weinstein accused Banks of medical malpractice and disregard for his “fundamental responsibilities as an educator.”
Gabriel, an unidentified Jewish fourth-year student at Brooklyn High School, told a small group of demonstrators that teachers were spreading biased information in class and expressed hope that Hezbollah would triumph over Israel. .
When Gabriel tried to hit back at the rhetoric, the teacher reportedly shot him and said he would not tolerate political discussion in the classroom.
“Rector – you are failing at your job. And by ignoring my experience, my brother’s experience, and the experiences of many other Jewish students and teachers, you are complicit in promoting anti-Semitism.” That’s what I’m doing,” the teenager said.
Anti-Semitism has been a long-standing problem in New York City’s public schools, some rally participants argued, and was largely unnoticeable until the outbreak of the Middle East wars.
Origins High School in Sheepshead Bay was known to locals for its subtle hatred until world history teacher Daniel Kaminski filed a lawsuit alleging that his students threatened Jewish teachers and classmates. It was one of the schools.
Shortly after the war broke out in October, Kaminski said, dozens of teenagers poured through the hallways shouting “Death to Israel” and “Kill all Jews.”
The city’s Department of Energy is investigating her claims, but said no evidence has been found so far.
Deseania Andrews/New York Post
“They laugh because they don’t take us seriously,” said Luke Moon, deputy director of the Philo Project, a Christian advocacy group, who has transferred from Origins in the past to escape the rampant hatred. He added that he was aware of the student’s presence.
“The good thing about that school, by the way, is there are state law violations and all these other serious lawsuits coming up. They don’t know what’s going to hit them.”
During a rainy rally, three counter-protesters stood outside the Brooklyn Museum saying, “I am a Jewish parent and I support my teachers,” and “I feel that the New York City Council Alliance is inciting hatred and putting our children and teachers at risk.” They were standing holding placards that read things like, “We’re letting you do it.”
When asked for comment by the Post, the three declined, saying they did not trust the Post to “get their message across.”
A brief shouting match between the two groups ensued, ending with counter-protesters leaving the rally.
