\

Edited by: Fern Sidman

The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is facing a significant challenge as at least 30 Jewish families have reportedly withdrawn their children over concerns of anti-Semitism during the recent Hamas-Israel war, as was reported by The Daily Mail in the United Kingdom. The decision to leave follows a controversial ‘teach-in’ organized by a faction within the Oakland teachers’ union, which focused on a vehemently anti-Israel agenda.

Jewish families in the Bay Area, known for its progressive stance, expressed feeling targeted after educators conducted the ‘From Gaza to Oakland’ teach-in. According to the report in the Daily Mail, parents Rebecca and Isaac, who chose not to disclose their last names, cited teaching materials featuring phrases like “draw the Zionist bully” and “I is for Intifada, J is for Jesus.” Rebecca emphasized that this felt like Jewish families were being singled out and alienated.

Rebecca and Isaac decided to transfer their six-year-old out of the school district due to the overt anti-Semitism that was prevalent in the school.  The decision was prompted by concerns that educators with anti-Jewish views might target their son. The report in the Daily Mail also noted that despite the event not being officially sanctioned by the district, Rebecca expressed a lack of confidence in the safety and inclusivity of the learning environment.

The ‘teach-in’ was not authorized by the official Oakland Education Association (OEA) but was organized by a small group called ‘OEA for Palestine,’ according to the Daily Mail report. Teachers, however, told KTVU that the event was not endorsed by the official OEA. The Oakland school district publicly opposed the event, with some critics calling for repercussions for participating teachers.

As per the Daily Mail report, superintendent Kyla Johnson-Trammell stated, ‘Our expectation is that all educators adhere to principles of education and keep personal beliefs out of the classroom.’ The district emphasized its commitment to being a sanctuary district, supporting all students and families regardless of religion, heritage, or ethnicity.

The exodus of Jewish families from Oakland’s public schools was initially reported by J Weekly. CBS News reported that more Jewish families have sought transfers but were denied due to capacity restrictions in other school districts, as was indicated in the Daily Mail report.

Organizers of the teach-in released a list of suggested curriculum materials, including a lesson for Upper Elementary School students titled ‘Part A: Where is Palestine? What is Zionism?’ The Daily Mail reported that the materials, while including aspects of art, film, and appreciation of the region’s culture, also featured reprehensible anti-Semitic rhetoric such as references to Israel as an ‘apartheid state.’

As the Oakland Unified School District navigates this challenge, it faces the task of fostering an environment that ensures the safety and well-being of all students, irrespective of their background or beliefs.