Rally Focuses on NYC Schools Chancellor Banks’ Failure to Address Rising Anti-Semitism in Public Schools 

Rally Focuses on NYC Schools Chancellor Banks’ Failure to Address Rising Anti-Semitism in Public Schools 

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a powerful display of solidarity and frustration, approximately 35 protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn Museum on Wednesday for the “Hey Chancellor Banks: What about Brooklyn” rally, as was reported by The New York Post. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to New York City Schools Chancellor David Banks’s insufficient action in combating virulent anti-Semitism in New York City public schools.

Brandishing large Israeli flags and signs that read “Educate Against Hate,” the ralliers vocalized their concerns over the rise of anti-Semitic incidents within the city’s educational institutions. The protest gained momentum in the wake of a recent exclusive story published by The New York Post, exposing widespread anti-Semitism at Origins High School in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn.  According to the Post report, Jewish teachers and students at the school have faced torment since the outbreak of the Hamas-Gaza war in October.

Lisa Liss, a Brooklyn parent who withdrew her children from public schools last year due to concerns about anti-Semitism, spoke passionately at the rally. According to the information in the Post report, Liss expressed bewilderment at the resurgence of anti-Semitism, stating, “How are we back in a time where antisemitism is not just openly accepted, but also taught? The only answer I can give is that we missed the signs.”

Liss emphasized that anti-Semitism serves as a warning sign of societal issues, characterizing it as a unique form of hate that demands immediate attention, as was indicated in the Post report. She criticized the current approach to addressing anti-Semitism, asserting that it falls short of effectively tackling the root causes.

Protesters at the rally directed their demands at Chancellor David Banks, urging him to take decisive action to safeguard Jewish students in New York City public schools, the report in the Post said. They claimed that, in the months following the October 7 Hamas massacre of 1,200 Israelis, Jewish students have increasingly become targets of discrimination.

Last month, Chancellor Banks unveiled a three-pronged approach aimed at addressing hate within schools, focusing on education, safety, and engagement. The plan included tangible consequences for students, along with training and support workshops for educators and parents. However, the Post reported that according to rally participants, the plan has failed to mitigate the prevalence of anti-Semitism, particularly in Brooklyn schools.

Michelle Ahdoot, Director of Programming and Strategy at “End Jew Hate”, minced no words as she admonished Chancellor Banks for his perceived inaction. “Chancellor Banks, you’ve done nothing. We haven’t heard from you. We haven’t seen any improvement, and we see things even going into more disarray,” Ahdoot asserted, according to the report in the Post, Her comments reflected the frustrations of many attendees.

The sentiment was echoed by Marty Weinstein, retired superintendent of District 19, who accused Banks of malpractice and dereliction of duty as an educator, the report in the Post added. Weinstein’s scathing criticism underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for decisive leadership to address systemic issues within the school system.

Amidst the voices of advocacy, the plight of Jewish students like Gabriel, a senior at an undisclosed Brooklyn high school, emerged as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced on a daily basis, the Post reported.  Gabriel recounted instances of biased information being disseminated in classrooms and disturbing expressions of support for anti-Israel sentiments by teachers.

“When Gabriel tried to push back against the rhetoric, the teacher allegedly shot him down and said he wouldn’t allow political discussions in his classroom,” the teenager’s account revealed, the Post reported, shedding light on the silencing of dissenting voices within educational settings.

In his impassioned plea to Chancellor Banks, Gabriel articulated the profound impact of institutional negligence on the safety and well-being of Jewish students and educators, as was indicated in the Post report. “Chancellor — You are failing at your job. And by ignoring my experiences and my brothers’ experiences and many other Jewish students and teachers, you are helping to propel anti-Semitism,” Gabriel asserted, demanding accountability and action.

Origins High School in Sheepshead Bay was one school known to locals for its subtle hate until global history teacher Danielle Kaminsky filed a lawsuit claiming the students terrorized their Jewish teachers and classmates.

Shortly after the war broke out in October, dozens of teens stormed through the hallways chanting “Death to Israel” and “Kill all the Jews,” according to Kaminsky, and reported on by the Post.

The city DOE said it was investigating her claims, but has so far not found any evidence.

“They’re laughing, they’re not taking us seriously,” said Luke Moon, the Deputy Director of Christian advocacy group Philo Projects, adding that he knew of students who transferred from Origins in the past to escape its rampant hate.