A Holocaust survivor and pro-Israel advocate, Sami Steigman, 85, referred to the refusal of a Brooklyn middle school principal to let him speak to students about anti-Semitism as “censorship.” He expressed disappointment that the Adams administration backed the principal’s decision.
Steigman believed he could have had a positive impact on students, potentially steering Principal Alyn Rush away from high-profile events related to the Middle East. Unfortunately, the chance to engage with students at MS 447 in Boerum Hill was denied.
“My role is to educate the next generation about the Holocaust and the dangers of hate,” he shared, emphasizing that discussing such matters is crucial.
In response to a parent’s inquiry about inviting him to discuss anti-Semitism in connection with the Hamas attacks on Israel in early October, Rush turned down the proposal in a letter sent to parents on November 18. She argued that Steigman’s views were “not appropriate for our public school environment,” particularly concerning matters related to Israel and Palestine.
While acknowledging his strong pro-Israel stance, Steigman insisted he would refrain from discussing political views within the school. “We don’t talk politics at school,” he mentioned. “This is not the place to talk about politics.”
Expressing further frustration, Steigman noted that Rush didn’t reach out to him personally. “She didn’t have the decency to call me,” he said, condemning the decision as an “outrageous act” of censorship.
Steigman, who has spoken to various groups—including elementary school children and Church of Scientology members—stated, “I don’t discriminate.” He was particularly surprised to see school leaders and the Adams administration support Rush’s choice.
A spokesperson from City Hall maintained that while Steigman may not have been the right fit, it’s important for students to hear from survivors of such histories. Steigman responded in disbelief, noting that Mayor Adams supported the decision. “He doesn’t know what he’s saying,” he remarked, feeling that things were “upside down.”
The mayor’s office did not offer immediate comments on the matter. The city’s public schools have faced multiple controversies that have upset the Jewish community, including a recent incident involving the Department of Education’s newsletter linking to a “Stop the Gaza Genocide” toolkit and another incident where anti-Israel sentiments targeted a Jewish teacher in a Queens school two years ago.
