An anti-Semitic flyer has recently caused a stir, urging teachers to participate in union elections and push for the sale of pension funds connected to Israel.
This controversy intensified after two staff members from the Israeli embassy were killed in a suspected terrorist act in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday night.
The flyer proclaimed, “This UFT election season will vote for candidates who will sell our pensions from Genocide.”
Reports indicate that these flyers were distributed in multiple public schools in New York City, aimed particularly at encouraging teachers to vote in favor of pension divestment from Israel.
“Sign the petition to indicate to UFT candidates that voters will prioritize this issue during the election,” it added.
Jewish advocacy organizations, like the Prevention League, argue that movements advocating for boycotts, sanctions, or divestment are inherently anti-Semitic as they aim to undermine the only Jewish state.
Teachers supportive of Israel reported that these flyers had been found in at least three schools in Manhattan, including the Collaborative Study Middle School and Mosaic Reserve Academy Elementary School, with additional instances noted in the Bronx.
An upset educator shared that these materials were handed out by individuals claiming to be UFT officers or acting as unofficial marketers.
“I was really taken aback. It broke the trust within our school community. The flyer came from a teacher not even at our institution,” remarked a staff member from the 17th Avenue location.
“Such actions are disgraceful. They have no place in education,” another teacher mentioned.
A Jewish educator who preferred to remain anonymous expressed deep concern upon receiving this flyer, especially given the tragic targeting of Jewish civilians in recent events.
“This kind of hatred is wholly unacceptable. Schools should foster inclusivity and respect for all,” they added.
Karen Feldman, co-founder of the Public Schools Alliance in New York City, criticized the use of educational channels for disseminating political and anti-Semitic propaganda, especially during union elections, highlighting the flyer’s false claims and inflammatory language.
The United Federation of Teachers remarked that the distribution of such politically charged flyers violated election protocols concerning internal union elections. Only campaign materials related to their respective slates are permissible.
“These flyers are political. They shouldn’t be disguised as campaign material for internal elections—this isn’t how it works,” a union spokesperson clarified.
The flyer reportedly came to light following the tragic deaths of Jaron Lisinski and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, Israeli staff members in D.C., attributed to a suspected terrorist.
The Department of Education has since stated that these flyers were not created by the schools and deemed them harmful, assuring that removal actions were underway.
Critics of Israel noted that New York City teachers’ retirees hold a pension fund of $135 million invested in Israeli companies.
In its text, the flyer accused Israeli forces of causing mass civilian casualties since the onset of conflict on October 7, 2023, citing sources from outlets like Al Jazeera.
It’s worth mentioning that the tensions sparked into full conflict when Hamas invaded Israel, leading to significant casualties and hostage situations.
This situation is part of a broader discourse surrounding anti-Israel literature being circulated in schools. Just last month, a newsletter from the Ministry of Education claimed “Gaza genocide,” which sparked outrage among Jewish educators, illustrating concerns of normalized anti-Semitism in the public school system.
In light of these issues, Prime Minister Aviles Ramos announced a suspension of mass communications to educators and parents pending her approval.
