A 110% increase in antisemitic incidents in New York last year, with 60% occurring in New York City, has set a new record for the Empire State. The Anti-Defamation League revealed these alarming levels of antisemitism, which have implications for anti-Jewish rhetoric in the city’s public school system. Human rights attorney Brooke Goldstein, executive director of The Lawfare Project and founder of the End Jew Hatred movement, criticized the school system for failing to address these issues and called for more action in response to recent antisemitic events. The rise in antisemitism has raised concerns among Jewish students, parents, and community leaders, who feel that the school administration has ignored the problem.
At Susan E. Wagner High School on Staten Island, Jewish students reported experiencing antisemitic behavior from their peers, including pro-Hamas sentiments and anti-Israel attitudes. Students claimed they felt targeted and harassed, with some even receiving threats. The pro-Hamas slogan “Free Palestine. From the River to the Sea” was found scrawled on a teacher’s blackboard, leading to accusations of antisemitism. Jewish students shared stories of being called names and facing discrimination due to their heritage, with some even expressing approval of the Holocaust. The lack of action from the school faculty and the administration has left the students feeling unprotected and vulnerable.
Local politicians and community leaders, including NYC Councilwoman Inna Vernikov and Republican minority Leader Joe Borelli, have condemned the rise in antisemitism in New York City schools. They have called for accountability and consequences for those engaging in discriminatory behavior, emphasizing the need for a safe and inclusive school environment. Rabbi Levi Katzman also expressed concerns about the protection of pro-Hamas students by the faculty, calling for community action against institutional antisemitism in public schools. Students and parents have reported feeling harassed and threatened, with some fearing retaliation if they speak out against antisemitic behavior.
The Department of Education and the superintendent of New York City Public Schools, David C. Banks, have stated that all forms of bigotry, including antisemitism and Islamophobia, are not tolerated in public schools. They have committed to investigating allegations of discrimination and taking necessary action to address the issues. However, some students have raised concerns about a lack of response to complaints about antisemitism and hypocrisy in the enforcement of school policies. Mayor Eric Adams’s administration highlighted steps taken to combat incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia, including safety training for principals, crisis de-escalation protocols, and resources on Middle East crisis, Islamophobia, and antisemitism.
Brooke Goldstein emphasized the importance of transparency, accountability, and legal action in combating antisemitism in schools. She encouraged parents and teachers to speak out against discrimination and harassment, offering support through The Lawfare Project. Change, she argued, must come through education, activism, and legal intervention to protect students’ rights to a safe and respectful learning environment. While efforts are being made to address incidents of antisemitism in New York City schools, concerns remain about the effectiveness of current measures and the need for stronger action to prevent further instances of hate and discrimination. Lawmakers and community leaders continue to push for accountability and consequences for those promoting antisemitic behavior.
