A public school teacher in New York City disrupted a vigil in Manhattan last week that was dedicated to honoring the victims of the tragic events from October 7 in Israel. According to reports, Mia Kurzer, a special education instructor at The Heritage School in East Harlem, participated in protests alongside individuals who supported Hamas and shouted inflammatory phrases like “globalize the intifada.”
Kurzer was recorded at the gathering in Union Square, where some attendees displayed flags associated with terrorist organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah. A formal complaint has been filed with the Department of Education by a Jewish activist and educator, who is now calling for an investigation into Kurzer for allegedly fostering a hostile environment for Jewish members of the school community.
In the complaint submitted on October 8, Moshe Spern detailed how pro-Palestinian demonstrators overwhelmed the vigil organized by Israelis for Peace, disrupting the reading of the names of those who lost their lives. He recounted that the protesters even occupied spots reserved for notable attendees like Comptroller Brad Lander and Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Spern stated, “Video footage from the vigil shows Ms. Kurzer among those in these seats while mourners were drowned out by shouts.” He mentioned that chants praising the attackers and calls for a global intifada filled the air.
He asserted that he possesses video proof of Kurzer’s involvement. “She seemed at ease sitting among those supporting Hamas,” he remarked.
The complaint also highlighted that Kurzer had worn a keffiyeh, which many see as a symbol of political activism, to school earlier that day, an act that made some students and staff uneasy.
Spern expressed frustration that the Department of Education had previously overlooked a complaint about Kurzer relating to her participation in protests outside the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan.
He recalled notifying the authorities about her involvement in similar protests in late 2025 and early 2026, where demonstrators had chanted hostile slogans while blocking Jewish attendees from entering the synagogue. These actions were widely condemned, including by Governor Hochul.
Spern argued that Kurzer’s behavior reflects an ongoing pattern of antagonism towards Israel and Jewish people. “When you consider the protests with anti-Israel chants, the previous unanswered complaints, the disturbance at the vigil, and wearing a keffiyeh at school, it paints a troubling picture,” he stated in the document, suggesting that this could violate several regulations aimed at maintaining a supportive educational environment.
He called for an investigation by the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Management or for the matter to be referred to the Special Commissioner on Schools Investigation.
“Jewish students and staff deserve a school environment free from an employee who participates in protests outside synagogues and then makes political statements at school during significant memorial days,” he added.
Kurzer’s history of anti-Israel activism traces back to her time in college. In 2024, she had been interviewed by CNN about her role in anti-Israel demonstrations while a student at the University of Wisconsin, where she faced backlash from some who questioned her Jewish identity for her actions.
When contacted for comment, Kurzer had no response.
Additionally, a report last week revealed another teacher, Damien Neva, under scrutiny for posting supportive messages about Hamas’ leadership in a group chat, further spotlighting the contentious atmosphere in some educational settings.
