What Jewish Educators Need You to Know

A few weeks ago, Randi Weingarten published an op-ed urging Jewish leaders to work with educators to fight antisemitism rather than “demonize teachers.” For many of us, Jewish public school teachers, parents, and advocates, the piece was frustrating and even painful. It made clear that the reality Jewish students and educators face every day is still not fully understood.

For years, many of us trusted union leadership to protect all educators, including Jewish teachers. But the reality is far more complicated. In classrooms and teacher training programs, politically biased materials and activist networks often present Israel and, by extension, Jewish students and educators, as the oppressor before history is even taught. Curricula are fragmented, incomplete, and sometimes hostile. Jewish identity, history, and connection to Israel are treated as optional, leaving students and teachers without the tools to understand or confront antisemitism.

Even within unions, the message is clear. Political pressure can outweigh principle. Decisions like ending financial support for Israel Bonds sent a signal that organized anti-Israel activism can shape priorities, leaving Jewish educators and students feeling vulnerable and marginalized. Meetings with leadership, while polite, often fail to acknowledge the scale of the problem, offering symbolic gestures instead of real solutions.

Recognition by Jewish organizations is welcome, but it is not enough. Antisemitism today often hides behind antiZionism, using false narratives of colonization, apartheid, and genocide to delegitimize Jewish identity, history, and safety. These messages are shaping classrooms and workplaces across the country, and the consequences are real.

We write not as adversaries, but as Jewish educators, families, and advocates who care deeply about truth and justice in schools. Jewish students and teachers deserve leaders who confront this reality with honesty and courage. They deserve safety, inclusion, and a chance to learn history fully and fairly.

Randi, you have the influence to make a difference. Please use it.

With urgency, hope, and deep concern,

Karen Feldman, NYCPS Alliance, The Gevura Fund, Safe Campus and EndJewHatred