Edited by: Fern Sidman

Recent incidents in New York City public schools have sparked controversy, with allegations that teachers expressing anti-Israel sentiments are going unchecked while those critical of Palestinians face immediate reprimands, as was recently reported in the New York Post. The case of James Parra, a paraprofessional at Brooklyn Arbor Elementary School, has brought attention to what some critics label as a double standard within the education system, the Post report added.

James Parra, a paraprofessional at Brooklyn Arbor Elementary School, faced criticism after sharing a photo of himself on Instagram wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, accompanied by a caption expressing the belief that Palestine would be free “from the river to the sea within our lifetime,” the Post reported. This statement was deemed by some as a direct call for genocide, sparking concerns among parents, including Shy Galor, a Jewish and Israeli mother in Brooklyn’s District 14.

In another Instagram post, Parra referred to Israel as a “racist” and “terrorist” state, defending his use of the term “Zionist pig” and urging those offended to reflect on their own reactions. As was indicated in the Post report, the controversy escalated when the city Department of Education received over 850 complaints, leading to an investigation. Despite this, Parra, who did not respond to the Post’s requests for comment, remains at the school, prompting accusations of a double standard.

Critics have pointed to what they perceive as a political bias within the NYC public school system, highlighting disparities in the treatment of cases involving overt anti-Semitism and Jew hatred. A comparison was drawn between Parra’s situation and that of history teacher Robert Rossicone, who was allegedly removed from PS 104 in the Bay Ridge section of Brooklyn over posts on his soccer club’s Instagram page referring to Hamas fighters as “animals,” according to the report in the Post. The NYC Public Schools Alliance, a group formed by educators to combat anti-Semitism, highlighted what they see as unequal treatment.

Other instances of educators facing accusations of divisive speech have raised eyebrows. Mohammad Jehad Ahmad, a math teacher at Gotham Tech High School in Queens, described Hamas attacks as a “successful military campaign,” as was noted in the Post report. Similarly, Siriana Abboud, a pre-K teacher at PS 59 in Midtown, promoted pro-Palestinian lessons for young children on her Instagram account, the Post report added. While Abboud took a medical leave following reports on her anti-Israel postings, her return remains pending.

Educators and concerned individuals have voiced their disapproval of what they perceive as local school administrators enabling biases and prejudices. As was indicated in the Post report, Tova Plaut, a pre-K educator, emphasized the importance of teaching children about shared values and fostering respect for all New Yorkers.

Shy Galor, a former member of the District 14 Community Education Council, has voiced serious concerns about the rise of anti-Semitic sentiments within school boards. Despite her concerns and those of other parents, Galor has criticized the DOE for a lack of answers and appropriate action, according to the Post report. The DOE has yet to respond to inquiries, leaving parents seeking accountability and resolution.

The controversy surrounding the alarming escalation of virulent anti-Semitism in the NYC public schools is heightened by the presence of Tajh Sutton as the President of CEC 14. The Post report said that Sutton, despite maintaining her position, has overseen the dismissal of other council members for political public statements. One such case involves Adriana Alicea, a former member of CEC 28, who was removed due to anti-Israel posts, including a call to “Free them all. From the river to the sea. Free Palestine,” the Post report added.

In a move that has further fueled concerns, CEC 14 ejected Jewish parents and critics from its online monthly meeting in both November and December. The Post report indicated that this exclusionary approach reached a new level in December when Citywide Council on High Schools representative Rachel Fremmer was blocked from joining the meeting. Despite these actions, the board has remained silent in response to requests for comment.

The New York branch of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) entered the fray by writing a letter to schools Chancellor David Banks, defending students expressing pro-Palestinian beliefs, as reported by the Post. The letter highlighted concerns about possible mistreatment and a lack of protections for students holding such views.

The lack of communication from educational authorities further underscores the urgency for a transparent and effective response to effectively combat the egregious scourge of increased anti-Semitism.