Brooklyn Principal Rejects Holocaust Survivor’s Request to Speak at School
A principal at a Brooklyn middle school has declined a parent’s appeal for a Holocaust survivor to address students about anti-Semitism, stating that the survivor’s pro-Israel stance is not suitable for a public school setting.
Principal Alyn Rush of MS 447 sent a letter on November 18 to a parent who identifies as a survivor of a Nazi forced labor camp. Sami Stigman, the survivor in question, is regarded as not fitting for the school’s environment. Rush expressed concern over the content found on Stigman’s website, suggesting that his views on Israel and Palestine are misaligned with the school’s values.
In her correspondence, Rush stated she would seek other speakers but affirmed the importance of discussing the Holocaust and combating anti-Semitism.
Stigman, who is 85 years old, does not reference the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict on his website or in his biography.
In a lecture available online, he describes himself as a proud Jew who supports Israel’s right to defend itself against enemies like Hamas. “Regardless of what occurs in the Middle East, we will prevail,” he declared in a YouTube speech, recalling how previous generations had attempted to erase Jewish existence but failed.
Stigman encourages students to engage with STANDWITHUS, an organization focused on educating individuals about Israel, addressing misinformation, and fighting anti-Semitism.
His website features motivational quotes, including a sentiment about making wise choices in life.
Stigman, who was born in 1939 in present-day Ukraine, writes in his biography about his experience in the Mogilev-Podolsky labor camp from 1941 to 1944. He recounts being subjected to Nazi medical experiments, resulting in lifelong health issues, and narrowly escaping starvation thanks to the kindness of a German woman who provided him with milk.
The president of the United Jewish Teachers Association, Moshe Spern, expressed outrage over Rush’s decision, questioning whether Holocaust survivors are now being censored for their perspectives on Israel. He, a grandson of Holocaust survivors, described the principal’s actions as “appalling” and “discriminatory,” especially given the rising anti-Semitism in recent years.
Brooklyn City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov echoed these sentiments, condemning Rush for denying a Holocaust survivor the chance to share his experiences with students—an especially crucial opportunity in light of current anti-Semitic trends among youth. She suggested that this might constitute viewpoint discrimination in violation of First Amendment rights.
Both Rush and the Department of Education have not provided comments regarding this matter.
Meanwhile, Mayor Eric Adams’ office backed Rush’s decision, categorizing Stigman as an “unsuitable” speaker for the school. A spokesperson stated that Mayor Adams is committed to ensuring young people learn about the horrors of the Holocaust and preventing future atrocities.
Attempts to reach Stigman for a response were unsuccessful, underscoring ongoing disputes within New York City’s public school framework that have provoked strong reactions from Jewish communities. Last year, there was an outcry when a newsletter linked to a controversial resource, and an anti-Israel protest at Hillcrest High School led to a Jewish teacher seeking refuge.
