Protesters hold Chancellor Banks accountable for alleged tolerance of widespread antisemitism in NYC schools
Protesters gathered outside the Brooklyn Museum on a rainy day to hold Chancellor David Banks accountable for the alleged tolerance of widespread antisemitism in New York City schools. About 35 ralliers, armed with Israel flags and signs that read “Educate Against Hate,” voiced their concerns and demanded action from the city Department of Education.
The protest was organized in response to an exclusive story published by The Post, which shed light on the rampant antisemitism at a Brooklyn high school. Students at this school have reportedly tormented their Jewish teachers and peers since the outbreak of the Hamas-Gaza war in October.
One parent, Lisa Liss, spoke at the rally and expressed her disappointment in the acceptance and even teaching of antisemitism in schools. She emphasized that antisemitism is not like any other form of hate or discrimination and should be addressed immediately.
The ralliers specifically called on Chancellor Banks to take action to protect Jewish students in public schools, who have increasingly become targets following the Hamas massacre of 1,200 Israelis. Banks recently unveiled a three-pronged approach focusing on education, safety, and engagement to target hate within schools. However, many believe that this plan has done little to quell the prejudice among students, particularly in Brooklyn.
Michelle Ahdoot, the director of programming and strategy at End Jew Hate, which organized the event, criticized Chancellor Banks for not doing enough and called for answers. Marty Weinstein, a retired district superintendent, accused Banks of malpractice and neglecting his responsibilities as an educator.
A Jewish senior from a Brooklyn high school shared his experiences of biased information being peddled in class and teachers expressing support for Hezbollah. When he tried to engage in a discussion challenging this rhetoric, his teacher shut him down. The student called out Chancellor Banks for ignoring the experiences of Jewish students and teachers and perpetuating antisemitism.
Some ralliers argued that antisemitism has been an ongoing issue in New York City public schools but has largely gone unnoticed until the recent Middle Eastern war. Origins High School in Sheepshead Bay was highlighted as one school known for its subtle hate, with a lawsuit filed by a global history teacher claiming that Jewish teachers and classmates were terrorized by students chanting antisemitic slogans.
The city Department of Education stated that it is investigating the claims made by the teacher but has not yet found any evidence. Luke Moon, the Deputy Director of Christian advocacy group Philo Projects, mentioned that there is a major lawsuit on the horizon that could expose violations of state law at Origins High School.
During the rally, three anti-protesters stood outside the Brooklyn Museum with signs in support of teachers and claiming that the NYCPS Alliance stokes hate. When asked for comment, they declined, stating their lack of faith in The Post’s ability to convey their message.
The protest ended with a brief yelling match between the two groups, but the anti-protesters eventually walked away from the scene. The ralliers, however, remained determined to hold Chancellor Banks accountable and ensure that antisemitism is eradicated from New York City schools.
