Controversial Pre-K Teacher Resigns Amidst Anti-Israel Curriculum Backlash

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In a recent development, Siriana Abboud, a public school pre-K teacher at PS 59 Beekman Hill International School in Midtown, has resigned from her position at the Department of Education (DOE). The decision comes less than four months after The New York Post’s front-page report exposed her anti-Israel lesson plans and social media guides, raising concerns among parents, teachers, and advocacy groups.

Abboud faced scrutiny for her Instagram account, where she promoted lesson plans that included what critics deemed as explosive rhetoric against Israel. According to a recently published report in the New York Post, the controversial content suggested discussing “land theft, displacement, and ethnic cleansing” with 4-year-olds. Furthermore, she recommended the children’s book “P is for Palestine” by George Bashi, which some consider anti-Semitic due to its use of “intifada” for the letter “I,” referencing Palestinian uprisings against the Jewish state, the report in the Post added.

The controversy intensified when Abboud posted a drawing of noses on a bulletin board outside her classroom, suggesting that different noses could be linked to ethnic identity. The Post report indicated that this drew concerns from Jewish staff members who felt it perpetuated anti-Semitic stereotypes. Despite complaints, Abboud faced no disciplinary action over the incident, leading to further outrage among staffers.

In October 2022, a Change.org petition signed by over 200 parents called for an investigation into Abboud’s “ongoing campaign against Jews,” citing her Instagram account filled with what they characterized as “hate and intolerance” after the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, according to the information provided in the Post report. Despite these concerns, Abboud was named a winner of the 2023-24 “Big Apple Award” by the DOE, the highest honor a city teacher can receive.

The New York City Public School Alliance, a group of teachers dedicated to combating anti-Semitism, expressed relief at Abboud’s resignation but voiced concerns about the DOE’s apparent lack of action against her practices. As was noted in the Post report the group emphasized the need for systemic change and consequences for violating regulations, asserting that the voluntary resignation did not meet expectations for ensuring the safety and support of Jewish teachers and students.

Abboud, in addition to her public school role, operates the Allusio Academy, a private online school where she conducts live classes for children at $55 each. She also sells $75 consultation packets containing resources and strategies for parents and teachers, the Post report said. Despite numerous requests for comment, both Abboud and the DOE have remained silent on the matter. The controversy surrounding Abboud’s teachings highlights the challenges of balancing academic freedom with the responsibility to maintain an inclusive and unbiased educational environment.

Following reports on her social media guides and the nose-poster controversy, Abboud wrote an email to her students’ families that she was taking a medical leave. She was out for several months but returned after the Christmas break.