Protests at Brooklyn School Raise Concerns Among Jewish Community
Brooklyn’s PS 139 Elementary has become a focal point of tension as anti-Israeli protesters have begun to monitor the area, distribute anti-Semitic materials, and even harass local Jewish residents.
Families gathering every Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon have sparked fears that such demonstrations might incite further animosity and violence against the Jewish community. Tova Plaut, an activist against anti-Semitism and former city coordinator, commented, “It’s dangerous; it risks Jewish lives and breeds bias within our education system. This kind of hatred becomes ingrained in our youth.”
A parent of a student at Rugby Road School expressed frustration, saying, “Everyone has the right to protest, but using school property in New York City for that? It’s just not right.”
The group is known as “PS 139 Family for Palestine,” and meetings began in January near the Flatbush School. Cindy Gorn, a Columbia University graduate and a member of the Parents’ Association, has been identified as a key organizer. There are allegations regarding her prior conduct at protests.
Parents involved in these gatherings have emphasized that they do not speak on behalf of the school but are urging other families to join them in their cause. “We hope more PS 139 families will participate,” they said in social media posts, even encouraging others to start similar groups elsewhere. However, many see this as a misuse of school space, especially since school playgrounds are meant for community use on weekends.
A local attorney, Naomi Kohn, voiced her concerns after witnessing the group distributing materials and reportedly confronting Jewish neighbors. “They were parading around, putting posters on fences, and handing out pamphlets to parents watching their kids play,” she described. “It felt intimidating.”
One incident involved a parent from PS 139 allegedly threatening a Jewish individual nearby, stating, “We know your name,” along with other menacing comments. At a different event, attendees directed hostile remarks at a Jewish woman filming the rally, further highlighting the group’s contentious vibe.
Recently, the group donated anti-Israel literature for a school auction, raising eyebrows among community members. Items included works by writers known for their controversial views, which critics argue promote anti-Semitic sentiments. The group’s fundraising efforts have garnered support, raising thousands through platforms like Venmo.
Furthermore, there have been complaints about a toolkit linked to the Department of Education that advocates against perceived violence towards Gaza. Parents from the group have requested apologies for its association with the school, prompting a response from education officials who clarified that the group is not affiliated with PS 139 beyond attending parents.
In a series of events, the protesters attempted to disrupt a luncheon intended to support a Jewish organization, showcasing the ongoing conflict. A Jewish advocate criticized the group’s actions, saying they are disguised as community activities but are inciting division.
The Department of Education has acknowledged the issue but has not confirmed whether the group would face restrictions or bans from future meetings on school grounds. A spokesperson noted that they informed the group about the rules, stating they have now removed “PS” from their promotional materials.
This situation continues to unfold, raising significant tension within the community as many worry about the implications for safety and the integrity of local schools.
