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We must mobilize to counter an insidious movement that threatens democracy itself. < Back When anti-Israel radicals win local elections We must mobilize to counter an insidious movement that threatens democracy itself. In the shadow of Oct. 7 and the subsequent discord on campuses and in the streets, an alarming question has emerged: What happens when activists from anti-Israel groups like Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) move on from student government to real government? This is no longer a hypothetical scenario. It happened in the last local election in West Hollywood, Calif., which has historically been strongly pro-Israel. The ascent of Chelsea Lee Byers—an SJP activist and chapter founder—to the office of vice mayor should be a wake-up call. It highlights the need for proactive political engagement as antisemitism spreads into local, state and federal government. Byers’s ability to successfully conceal her extremist agenda behind her innocent-seeming nonprofit organization Beautiful Trouble is a warning sign of a significant threat to the Jewish and pro-Israel communities, as well as the integrity of local government. Her story is a cautionary tale. You would never guess that Byers is the voice of a violently antisemitic and anti-Israel movement. At first glance, she appears no different from any first-time local elected official. This is not a coincidence. Byers rose from radical activism to real political power in the course of a decade. In 2012, she tweeted, “I am the President of Northern Arizona University’s SJP—let’s make this day of action huge!” In 2022, she ran in her first election. Mere weeks after Oct. 7, she was sworn in as vice mayor. Throughout her activism, Byers engaged in regular anti-Israel defamation. She called for boycotts, an end to foreign aid and war crimes trials of Israeli officials. In 2011, she protested an appearance by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In what was likely a deliberate lie, she falsely accused the hosting organization of sexual assault. In fact, she simply had to be physically removed from the event due to her deplorable behavior. In 2018, Byers led a protest at the Israeli consulate in Los Angeles at which the crowd chanted the genocidal slogans “Intifada, intifada, long live the intifada. From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” What may be most dangerous about Byers, however, is the insidious nature of her tactics. In 2021, when it was clear she was going to run for public office, she tried to erase her digital footprint and hide her anti-Israel incitement. This strategic rebranding was only the beginning. Byers uses her nonprofit organization Beautiful Trouble to conceal her commitment to virulent anti-Israel ideologies. Though it claims to advocate for social justice, Beautiful Trouble regularly crosses the line into outright anti-Israel hate and incitement. Its social media platforms and public rhetoric are rife with demonization, distortions and racist stereotypes against the Jewish state. Multiple sources prove Byers’s involvement with Beautiful Trouble. Indeed, her official biography on the City of West Hollywood’s website identifies her as a “core team member” of the organization. Before the 2022 election, Beautiful Trouble’s website directed donations to Byers’s home address, showing her direct financial association with the organization. A more complete bio at Women’s Voices Now states, “Chelsea is part of the Beautiful Trouble collective, where she facilitates resources development and content creation for an online toolbox that supports organizers and activists around the globe.” Byers’s idea of activism is insidious and deceptive. Beautiful Trouble, for example, advises : “Don’t dress like a protester. … Dress like a Republican so you can talk like an anarchist.” This manipulation of public perception enables more overt expressions of Byers’s agenda. As an example of the latter, Beautiful Trouble’s website features a quote that attempts to rationalize Hamas’s terrorism: ”Hamas explains itself. It is a demonstration in both senses of the word: a protest and an exposition of the reasons for that protest.” This clearly attempts to legitimize a U.S.-designated terrorist group and downplays its atrocities. It further advances the agenda of demonizing Israel and Jews with the rhetoric of social activism. Byers was elected vice mayor by a slim margin of 54 votes. But she did not abandon her divisive anti-Israel agenda. She simply changed tactics. From her election victory to Oct. 6, she maintained a low profile with little overt activism. This changed dramatically following the horrific atrocities of Oct. 7. In the wake of the atrocities, Byers has more or less openly supported the monstrous pro-Hamas “protest” movement that has taken to America’s campuses and streets. For example, she posted, “Keep showing up in the streets to #shutitdown4palestine.” A sitting vice-mayor clearly should not be inciting mob events. It is not just reckless but a blatant dereliction of her official duties. Then there is Beautiful Trouble’s “Get Up, Rise Up Direct Action Fund. ” This initiative is a cornerstone of the organization’s anti-Israel efforts. It funds “creative, provocative actions” ostensibly to advocate a ceasefire in Gaza, which is little more than an attempt to rescue Hamas from destruction. Byers’s involvement in this effort raises serious questions. In particular, about the potential funneling of public resources—whether funds, permits or official endorsements—towards initiatives aligned with Beautiful Trouble. This would constitute a very disturbing conflict of interest. In a recent post on Instagram, Beautiful Trouble shared an image that manipulated a well-known fast-food brand’s logo with the words “Genocide You Can Taste” and “Since 1948”— the year of Israel’s establishment. Beneath the altered logo is the defamatory phrase “IS-RA-HELL.” Byers’s decision to platform such content in the context of rising antisemitism is profoundly disturbing given her office. It irresponsibly fuels antisemitism, compromising the safety and security of the Jewish and Israeli communities in West Hollywood she has sworn to serve. The rise of Chelsea Lee Byers should serve as a stark warning to the Jewish and pro-Israel communities. It raises the question of whether, as a radical anti-Israel activist who continues to support a radical anti-Israel organization, she can truly represent all the citizens of West Hollywood. Byers’s journey also exemplifies how radical campus environments are serving as incubators for the next generation of anti-Israel and antisemitic political leaders. These leaders will leverage their disreputable skills and tactics to win elections, starting with local city councils and school boards. Extremism and antisemitism are threats to democracy itself. Complacency is not an option. We must mobilize at the local level to counter this insidious movement. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our governments at all levels are not hijacked by those who threaten not just Jews and Israelis, but all Americans. Dillon Hosier is CEO of the Israeli-American Civic Action Network. Previous Next

Explore PeerK12's blog, op-eds, webinar and poscast appearances, and news stories - leading the movement to protect Jewish students and hold schools accountable. what we're reading our webinars & podcasts peerK12 news coverage our blogs & toolkits what we're reading... Tammi Rossman-Benjamin November 10, 2025 The Elephant on Bruin Walk: UCLA Can’t Curb Campus Antisemitism While Ignoring Faculty-Led Anti-Zionism At UCLA, faculty and departments have moved anti-Zionist activism from the margins into university life, becoming a core engine of campus antisemitism. Read More Karen Billing October 27, 2025 San Dieguito District sets plan for healing in motion following antisemitic act on SDA campus Lucia Gordon, the mother of the student victim of the antisemitism incident, was critical of the district’s response. Gordon said when the incident was brought to light last month, no one ever reached out to her son or family. Read More Joel Finkelstein October 26, 2025 The ADL’s Medicine Is Causing the Disease Frames that divide the world into the oppressors and the oppressed create 15 times more antisemites while reinforcing sectarian division and hate on both the left and the right. The cure is a return to the universalist values on which America was founded. Read More Will Swaim October 3, 2025 California Teachers’ Union Ruins an Earnest Effort to Confront Antisemitism And in so doing, has helped demonstrate why California’s schools, once among the best in the nation, are now among its worst. Read More Leo Place September 19, 2025 SDA family says antisemitism incident handled improperly According to PeerK12, the 10th-grade student flying overhead thought he was going to be taking a picture of students making a formation of a smiley face, but instead saw the swastika. “Administrators were notified immediately by the family – but declined to report the incident, saying it would be ‘handled next year.’ And then for nearly three months, nothing happened,” PeerK12 said. Read More Julie Sharp August 29, 2025 Beverly Hills Unified to adopt new flag policy after superintendent overrules Israeli flag display The new policy aligns with the superintendent's directive, "no flags will be displayed on our campuses other than the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of California." Read More Dillon Hosier August 12, 2025 The Mamdani Index How to spot the next anti-Israel political star before it’s too late. Read More Kasia Gregorczyk June 25, 2025 Carlsbad Unified approves budget at special meeting with board president absent Local parents say Kathy Rallings has been controversial for how she treats other board members during meetings and her suggestion to take more than $3 million out of the district reserve funds. Read More Julie Gallant June 24, 2025 Ramona Unified postpones high school ethnic studies course for 2025-26 Ramona Unified School District high school students will continue to be offered the traditional English II course only while plans to pilot an “English 2/English 2 Honors: Ethnic Perspectives in Literature” course are put on hold. Read More Amy Reichert June 18, 2025 This California Family Is Fighting Back Against a Mandatory ‘White Privilege’ Curriculum A shocking revelation from a California high school student about discriminatory material he was forced to read has sparked outrage and concern over the growing mandate of race-based curricula in public education. Read More Rikki Schlott June 13, 2025 Randi Weingarten’s ‘No Kings’ push shows teachers union is prioritizing activism over education Critics say unions taking part are undermining their members by taking an overtly partisan stance. Read More Carol Kocivar June 5, 2025 Ethnic studies course is a disaster in the making in SFUSD Course has not been formally approved by the school board Read More Marsha Sutton May 26, 2025 Opinion: The California ethnic studies mandate is a train wreck AB 101 was ill-conceived from the start: no enforceable guidelines, no state standards, no penalties for ignoring guardrails that prohibit discrimination, not even a real definition of what ethnic studies actually means. Read More Noah Lyons May 12, 2025 Parents claim ideological bias in Mesa College course at La Jolla High School The group focuses particularly on what it considers one-sided discussion of the Israel-Hamas war. Mesa College contends the content is 'protected by academic freedom.' Read More Combat Antisemitism Movement May 5, 2025 CAM REVIEW | Ethnic Studies: The Dangerous Ideology Quietly Shaping US Classrooms If you’ve ever wondered why young Americans are embracing increasingly extreme views on race, power, identity, Israel, and Jews, this webinar connects the dots with clarity, historical depth, and urgency. Read More Mika Hackner April 24, 2025 The Ethnic Studies to Antisemitism Pipeline: Pajaro Valley Edition The ideological lens of Ethnic Studies, with its obsession over systems of power and its binary moral structure, aligns all too easily with antisemitic conspiracism. Read More Grace Gilson April 10, 2025 California DOE finds school’s ethnic studies curriculum discriminated against Jewish students A California school's ethnic studies curriculum that included discussions of Israel as a "settler colonial state" was found to have discriminated against Jewish students. Read More Gabe Kaminsky March 5, 2025 EXCLUSIVE: DOJ Opens Antisemitism Investigation Into the University of California System The Department of Justice says one of the largest public university systems in the country may be discriminating ‘against employees who are or are perceived to be Jewish or Israeli.’ Read More Kevin Mahnken January 22, 2025 Poll of High Schoolers Shows Many Are Taught That America Is ‘Inherently Racist’ As President Trump renews his pledge to combat unpatriotic education, survey evidence suggests that controversial teachings are alive and well. Read More Abigail Shrier October 31, 2024 The Kindergarten Intifada There is a well-coordinated, national effort between teachers, activist organizations, and administrators to indoctrinate American children against Israel. A Free Press investigation. Read More Lindsey Burke October 15, 2024 What are your children being taught? Look at schools’ websites, their trainings, mission statements, textbooks, curricula, and yes, even your child’s homework assignments. Corporate America is beginning to turn away from institutional DEI. It’s time schools got back to basics, too. Read More Izabella Tabarovsky July 24, 2024 Wikipedia’s Jewish Problem The site seems to be intentionally trafficking in disinformation related to Jews, Israel, and Zionism Read More Francesca Block July 17, 2024 Israel-Bashing on the Agenda for National Teachers Union Members fear a resolution vote next week could encourage teachers to portray Israel as “a colonizing country committing genocide.” Read More Neetu Arnold June 24, 2024 The Child Soldiers of Ethnic Studies How American students are radicalized against the West Read More Robert Pondiscio June 13, 2024 How Public Schools Became Ideological Boot Camps In nearly every public school in the country, children are given curriculum materials that have no official oversight or approval. Read More Dillon Hosier April 4, 2024 When anti-Israel radicals win local elections We must mobilize to counter an insidious movement that threatens democracy itself. Read More Abigail Shrier February 27, 2024 How Bad Therapy Hijacked Our Nation’s Schools Forget the Pledge of Allegiance. Today’s teachers are more likely to start the school day with an ‘emotions check-in.’ Abigail Shrier on the rise of ‘trauma-informed’ education. Read More Dr. Brandy Shufutinsky February 14, 2024 Undercover with Liberated Ethnic Studies WITH parents, teachers, and students coming forward with information on mismanagement in their school districts, I believe it is even more important to reveal what I discovered in my almost two years inside Liberated Ethnic Studies. Read More Francesca Block December 19, 2023 How U.S. Public Schools Teach Antisemitism From pre-K lessons on ‘ethnic noses’ to lectures on Israel as an apartheid state, students are learning that Jews are the enemy. Read More Gary Wexler November 18, 2023 The Inside Story of How Palestinians Took Over the World The brilliant Palestinian plan to capture the pliable minds of American college students was laid out in front of me 25 years ago, during a very sinister business meeting in Israel. Read More Izabella Tabarovsky September 19, 2023 The Cult of ‘Antizionism’ American progressive ideologues have formed a new ideology based on the negation of an all-powerful phantasm they call ‘Zionism.’ To fight them, we need to understand the origins of their beliefs in the Soviet academic propaganda apparatus. Read More PeerK12 Webinars & Podcasts Play Video Play Video 01:27:11 California’s Antisemitism Bill Explained plus Hostages Release Breaking News In this episode of The Israeli-American Podcast, we begin with breaking news — President Trump’s newly brokered agreement to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists. We examine what’s known about the deal’s first phase, its implications for Israel’s security and deterrence, and how it underscores renewed American leadership in the Middle East. Then we turn to California, where Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 715, legislation originally introduced to combat antisemitism and anti-Israeli discrimination in public schools. While we appreciate the bill’s intent, ICAN remains deeply concerned that lawmakers stripped the legislation of real enforcement power before passage. During the September 10 Senate Education Committee hearing, legislators removed the antisemitism definition, investigative authority, and civil-rights enforcement mechanisms, leaving only a coordinator who can provide “technical assistance” but no authority to investigate or enforce protections. We break down what this means for Jewish and Israeli-American students, how AB 715 was positioned as legislative cover for advancing the Ethnic Studies mandate, and why ICAN is urging Californians to stay engaged ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Governor Newsom has already promised follow-up legislation — and ICAN will work to ensure it delivers real accountability and genuine protections, not symbolic politics. Play Video Play Video 01:59:20 PeerK12 Advocacy after October 7th w/ Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi [Part 2] In this episode Tamar Caspi and Nicole Bernstein discuss the aftermath of the October 7th attacks and the surge of antisemitism in K-12 schools. They share their experiences mobilizing parents and educators to combat hate, the challenges of school responses, and the role of social media in spreading antisemitic sentiments. The conversation highlights the need for strategic political and legal actions to protect Jewish civil rights in educational settings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to PeerK12 and Recent Events 01:11 The Impact of October 7th on Jewish Students 05:04 Mobilizing Against Antisemitism in Schools 10:09 The Challenge of School Responses to Hate 12:04 The Role of Social Media in Antisemitism 16:26 Confronting Hate Speech and Accountability 23:21 Strategic Responses to Antisemitism 29:49 The Broader Implications of Indoctrination 35:45 Political and Legal Strategies for Change 41:22 Building a Cohesive Strategy Against Antisemitism About PeerK12 Co‑founders of PeerK12: Partnering with Nicole Bernstein, Tamar co‑founded the organization in 2021. PeerK12 works to counteract institutionalized Jew-hatred in K‑12 education by mobilizing communities for legal protections, policy reform, and curriculum transparency. Website -https://www.peerk12.org/ Keywords #PeerK12, #antisemitism, #ethnicstudies, #Jewisheducation, #communityactivism, #AB101, #Jewishidentity, #educationpolicy, #K12schools, #Jewishhistory, #education, #antisemitism, #communityadvocacy, #schoolpolicies, #misinformation, #Jewishidentity, #ethnicstudies, #parentinvolvement, #activism, #socialjustice Play Video Play Video 01:50:26 PeerK12 Moms Fight for Jewish Civil Rights w/ Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi [Ep 5 Part 1] Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi, co-founders of PeerK12, speak about their mission to combat Jew hatred in K-12 education. They discuss their backgrounds, the emergence of ethnic studies, and the implications of AB 101 on Jewish students. The conversation highlights the complexity of ethnic studies curriculum, the importance of community mobilization, and the need for resolutions condemning antisemitism. They also explore how current events influence activism and the experiences of antisemitism in schools, emphasizing the importance of unity within the Jewish community. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Jewish communities in the context of education, particularly regarding the spread of misinformation and antisemitism. They discuss the importance of community mobilization, the role of parents in advocating for their children's rights, and the need for accountability within school districts. They reflect on past experiences and the lessons learned, emphasizing the necessity of proactive engagement and collaboration with other communities to address these issues effectively. About PeerK12 Co‑founders of PeerK12: Partnering with Nicole Bernstein, Tamar co‑founded the organization in 2021. PeerK12 works to counteract institutionalized Jew-hatred in K‑12 education by mobilizing communities for legal protections, policy reform, and curriculum transparency. Website -https://www.peerk12.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Peer K12 and Its Mission 09:57 The Emergence of Ethnic Studies and Its Implications 19:06 The Controversy Surrounding AB 101 26:00 The Role of the Liberated Ethnic Studies Consortium 34:00 Real-Life Impacts of Antisemitism in Schools 39:58 Mobilizing the Community Against Antisemitism 43:15 The Importance of Nuanced Resolutions Against Antisemitism 44:39 Community Response to Antisemitism in Schools 46:51 Inclusion of Jewish Heritage in Education 49:10 Understanding Anti-Zionism and Its Implications 50:19 The Role of Student Advocacy in School Policies 54:18 The Impact of Immigrant Values on Community Support 57:10 The Complexity of Jewish Identity and Community Dynamics 01:01:11 The Challenge of Addressing Antisemitism in Education 01:06:22 The Need for Jewish Community Self-Care 01:09:07 The Role of Parents in Combating Antisemitism 01:13:05 Case Study: Addressing Classroom Incidents of Antisemitism 01:20:28 The Principle of Accountability 01:21:49 Going Public for Change 01:23:10 Navigating School Board Procedures 01:24:59 Community Support and Solidarity 01:26:12 Mobilizing Diverse Communities 01:28:04 The Power of Collective Action 01:29:19 Activating Parental Involvement 01:30:47 The Role of Transparency in Education 01:32:35 Curriculum and Accountability 01:34:29 Consequences of Inaction 01:35:18 The Importance of Community Engagement 01:39:15 Lessons from the Past 01:40:53 Ongoing Advocacy and Support 01:45:01 Challenges with Legacy Organizations 01:47:38 The Need for a New Approach #PeerK12, #antisemitism, #ethnicstudies, #Jewisheducation, #communityactivism, #AB101, #Jewishidentity, #educationpolicy, #K12schools, #Jewishhistory, #education, #antisemitism, #communityadvocacy, #schoolpolicies, #misinformation, #Jewishidentity, #ethnicstudies, #parentinvolvement, #activism, #socialjustice Play Video Play Video 01:55:31 Ethnic Studies Live Webinar 9 4 25 On September 4, 2025, Courageous Conversations about our Schools and Braver Angels hosted a "fishbowl" conversation about California's Ethnic Studies course for high school students. Four people who support the course spoke first, followed by 4 people who have concerns about it. The 8 panelists were asked to share concerns they had about their own positions. Chapters: 0:00 - 8:40 Welcome and discussion overview 8:40 - 18:15 EdSource Journalist provides background on California's Ethnic Studies Course 18:15 - 40:28 Panelists in support of Ethnic Studies 42:00 - 51:50 Q&A with panelists in support of Ethnic Studies 51:50 - 1:17:20 Panelists concerned about Ethnic Studies 1:17:20 - 1:34:25 Q&A with panelists concerned about Ethnic Studies 1:34:25 - 1:53:50 - Takeaways from panelists 1:53:50 - 1:55:31 - Acknowledgements and closing comments Note: Audience members submitted their takeaways in the chat window. Those comments and additional information about this event are available at www.schoolconversations.org/ethnic-studies-event. Play Video Play Video 01:02:13 PARENT POWER: Depoliticizing the Curriculum Moderator: Mika Hackner, Director of Research, NAVI Panelists: Tamar Caspi, PeerK12; Kofi Montzka, Attorney and Laura Zhiss, co-founder of SHIELD (Supporting Honest Instruction & Equitable Learning for our Diaspora) Across the country, curricular standards are increasingly embedding politicized content that portrays America and the West as inherently oppressive. Under the banner of ethnic studies and related labels, activist networks are advancing political activism in the K-12 classroom, shutting out dissenting views and undermining student learning. Learn what you can do to counter the politicization of education and advocate for a renewed focus on academics, critical thinking, and civic development in your local schools. Play Video Play Video 01:25:23 Exclusive Briefing for Parents & Educators: Israel’s Operation Against the Islamic Republic of Iran Join ICAN for an urgent community briefing on the latest developments regarding Israel's operation against Iran. Specifically tailored for parents, educators, and school board members, this session will provide essential information, expert insights, and practical tools for navigating discussions in schools and homes. Ensure you're informed, prepared, and equipped to support our students during this critical time. Play Video Play Video 06:44 CTA oppose efforts to stop their hate speech in classrooms Dillon Hosier and Nicole Bernstein break down the bizarre rational behind why the California Teachers Association (CTA) - represented here by an LA Unified elementary school teacher and infamous UTLA (extreme anti-Israel activists), David Goldberg (a JINO - Jew In Name Only) - opposes CA AB 715 - a bill that aims to protect Jewish students in K-12 from unlawful discrimination, hate speech, intimidation, harrassment, etc. due to their religion or national origin. Play Video Play Video 07:38 School Board Association Opposition to Accountability Dillon Hosier and Nicole Bernstein break down the insanity behind why the California School Boards Association (CSBA) - represented here by their lobbyist, Carlos Machado - opposes CA AB 715 - a bill that aims to protect Jewish students in K-12 from unlawful discrimination due to their religion or national origin. peerk12 news coverage March 20, 2025 Anti-Israel ethnic studies unfunded in California - Is the fight over? | JPost Op-Ed Tamar Caspi "As parents, we expect our children’s education to promote truth, critical thinking, and understanding—not to serve as a breeding ground for political activism." Read More September 14, 2024 Parents want to 'collaborate' over new ethnic studies course Ava Kershner “The room was divided, almost as if you had two opposing sides,” said Nicole Bernstein, a concerned parent and co-founder of PeerK12. Read More July 17, 2024 US teacher union criticized for BDS, ceasefire, campus protest resolutions Michael Starr The coalition of Jewish education groups condemned the resolutions for labeling Israel's war against Gazan terrorist organizations as "genocide." Read More July 16, 2024 US Jewish Groups Condemn Anti-Zionist Resolutions Dion J. Pierre Resolutions Considered by American Federation of Teachers Read More December 15, 2023 A different perspective Destiny Avila Ramirez BVH student meeting marks first steps to ensuring a safe community Read More November 4, 2023 Union-Tribune Community Advisory Board member resigns due to repost on personal Facebook Staff Members volunteer their time and talents, and agree to adhere to guidelines, including a prohibition on hate speech or targeting of other people or communities Read More October 18, 2022 San Dieguito board talks next steps in addressing Hitler photo at Carmel Valley school Karen Billing District will hold community forums, staff training around antisemitism and create a new superintendent committee Read More December 18, 2021 BVH experiences hate speech, SUHSD responds with resolution Carina Muniz The anti-Semitic post created by students and directed towards IB Environmental Systems and Societies, and AP Environmental Science teacher Jennifer Ekstein is currently under investigation by BVH administrators. In Principal Roman Del Rosario’s statement addressing the hate speech at BVH, he made clear that, with support from SUHSD, BVH would not stand for hate speech. This photo was one of the two attachments in Del Rosario’s statement. Read More October 28, 2021 San Diego School District Passes Resolution to Include Antisemitism in Ethnic Studies Aaron Bandler The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) Board of Trustees passed a resolution on October 26 to include the teaching of antisemitism in the ethnic studies curriculum. Read More October 27, 2021 SWC Commends Jewish Community Parents Staff Proposed Resolution Passed by San Diego Unified School District to include Anti-Semitism in its Ethnic Studies Curriculum Read More March 9, 2025 The Ethnic Studies Battlegrounds: Political Ideology, Teacher Unions, and a Divided Jewish Community Nicole Bernstein Subversion and “othering” have proven to be disturbingly effective, contributing to an increasingly fractured Jewish community. This division has made it difficult for us to unite and recognize the external threats we face. Read More July 19, 2024 Anti-Israel resolutions on docket for US teachers union Schools & High Education The American Federation of Teachers will vote on proposals that fuel “discrimination and hatred against Jews,” critics say. Read More July 16, 2024 AFT to vote on controversial proposals Carl Campanile Proposals including ending US military aid to Israel, protecting pro-Palestinian protesters Read More July 9, 2024 Ethnic studies in K-12 Staff Lessons learned and a roadmap for protecting the rights of Jewish students and teachers Read More December 11, 2023 In San Diego, controversy surrounds an antisemitic imam and his wife JNS Staff Imam Taha Hassane has justified Hamas’s Oct. 7 terror attack, while Lallia Allali [his wife and San Diego Unified School District consultant] posted an image of a Star of David decapitating babies. Read More October 23, 2022 How a photo of Hitler in a 7th-grade classroom sparked a debate over antisemitism and school oversight Kristen Taketa Parents and Jewish community members say a teacher’s inclusion of the photo in a classroom display shows the need for ‘real education’ on antisemitism. Read More October 3, 2022 Hitler 'had strong leadership qualities' says teacher, photo placed with MLK, JFK Michael Starr Nazi leader Adolf Hitler's photo was placed on a board next to inspirational leaders such as Martin Luther King and John F. Kennedy. Read More November 18, 2021 San Dieguito board passes resolutions denouncing antisemitism, discrimination Karen Billings On Nov. 18, the San Dieguito Union High School District passed a resolution addressing antisemitism and affirming the value of Jewish students, faculty, staff, and families. Read More October 27, 2021 San Diego School District Commits to ‘Fighting Antisemitism,’ Citing Rise in Hate Crimes Dion J. Pierre The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) adopted a resolution Tuesday denouncing antisemitism and promoting education about the Holocaust, citing a rise in recent years in anti-Jewish harassment on its campuses. Read More peerK12 blogs & toolkits 1 2 3

ARTICLES BACK TO NEWSROOM RESOURCES NEWS ARTICLES podcasts blog The Elephant on Bruin Walk: UCLA Can’t Curb Campus Antisemitism While Ignoring Faculty-Led Anti-Zionism At UCLA, faculty and departments have moved anti-Zionist activism from the margins into university life, becoming a core engine of campus antisemitism. November 10, 2025 Read San Dieguito District sets plan for healing in motion following antisemitic act on SDA campus Lucia Gordon, the mother of the student victim of the antisemitism incident, was critical of the district’s response. Gordon said when the incident was brought to light last month, no one ever reached out to her son or family. October 27, 2025 Read The ADL’s Medicine Is Causing the Disease Frames that divide the world into the oppressors and the oppressed create 15 times more antisemites while reinforcing sectarian division and hate on both the left and the right. The cure is a return to the universalist values on which America was founded. October 26, 2025 Read California Teachers’ Union Ruins an Earnest Effort to Confront Antisemitism And in so doing, has helped demonstrate why California’s schools, once among the best in the nation, are now among its worst. October 3, 2025 Read SDA family says antisemitism incident handled improperly According to PeerK12, the 10th-grade student flying overhead thought he was going to be taking a picture of students making a formation of a smiley face, but instead saw the swastika. “Administrators were notified immediately by the family – but declined to report the incident, saying it would be ‘handled next year.’ And then for nearly three months, nothing happened,” PeerK12 said. September 19, 2025 Read Beverly Hills Unified to adopt new flag policy after superintendent overrules Israeli flag display The new policy aligns with the superintendent's directive, "no flags will be displayed on our campuses other than the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of California." August 29, 2025 Read The Mamdani Index How to spot the next anti-Israel political star before it’s too late. August 12, 2025 Read Carlsbad Unified approves budget at special meeting with board president absent Local parents say Kathy Rallings has been controversial for how she treats other board members during meetings and her suggestion to take more than $3 million out of the district reserve funds. June 25, 2025 Read Ramona Unified postpones high school ethnic studies course for 2025-26 Ramona Unified School District high school students will continue to be offered the traditional English II course only while plans to pilot an “English 2/English 2 Honors: Ethnic Perspectives in Literature” course are put on hold. June 24, 2025 Read This California Family Is Fighting Back Against a Mandatory ‘White Privilege’ Curriculum A shocking revelation from a California high school student about discriminatory material he was forced to read has sparked outrage and concern over the growing mandate of race-based curricula in public education. June 18, 2025 Read Randi Weingarten’s ‘No Kings’ push shows teachers union is prioritizing activism over education Critics say unions taking part are undermining their members by taking an overtly partisan stance. June 13, 2025 Read Ethnic studies course is a disaster in the making in SFUSD Course has not been formally approved by the school board June 5, 2025 Read Opinion: The California ethnic studies mandate is a train wreck AB 101 was ill-conceived from the start: no enforceable guidelines, no state standards, no penalties for ignoring guardrails that prohibit discrimination, not even a real definition of what ethnic studies actually means. May 26, 2025 Read Parents claim ideological bias in Mesa College course at La Jolla High School The group focuses particularly on what it considers one-sided discussion of the Israel-Hamas war. Mesa College contends the content is 'protected by academic freedom.' May 12, 2025 Read CAM REVIEW | Ethnic Studies: The Dangerous Ideology Quietly Shaping US Classrooms If you’ve ever wondered why young Americans are embracing increasingly extreme views on race, power, identity, Israel, and Jews, this webinar connects the dots with clarity, historical depth, and urgency. May 5, 2025 Read The Ethnic Studies to Antisemitism Pipeline: Pajaro Valley Edition The ideological lens of Ethnic Studies, with its obsession over systems of power and its binary moral structure, aligns all too easily with antisemitic conspiracism. April 24, 2025 Read California DOE finds school’s ethnic studies curriculum discriminated against Jewish students A California school's ethnic studies curriculum that included discussions of Israel as a "settler colonial state" was found to have discriminated against Jewish students. April 10, 2025 Read EXCLUSIVE: DOJ Opens Antisemitism Investigation Into the University of California System The Department of Justice says one of the largest public university systems in the country may be discriminating ‘against employees who are or are perceived to be Jewish or Israeli.’ March 5, 2025 Read Poll of High Schoolers Shows Many Are Taught That America Is ‘Inherently Racist’ As President Trump renews his pledge to combat unpatriotic education, survey evidence suggests that controversial teachings are alive and well. January 22, 2025 Read The Kindergarten Intifada There is a well-coordinated, national effort between teachers, activist organizations, and administrators to indoctrinate American children against Israel. A Free Press investigation. October 31, 2024 Read What are your children being taught? Look at schools’ websites, their trainings, mission statements, textbooks, curricula, and yes, even your child’s homework assignments. Corporate America is beginning to turn away from institutional DEI. It’s time schools got back to basics, too. October 15, 2024 Read Wikipedia’s Jewish Problem The site seems to be intentionally trafficking in disinformation related to Jews, Israel, and Zionism July 24, 2024 Read Israel-Bashing on the Agenda for National Teachers Union Members fear a resolution vote next week could encourage teachers to portray Israel as “a colonizing country committing genocide.” July 17, 2024 Read The Child Soldiers of Ethnic Studies How American students are radicalized against the West June 24, 2024 Read How Public Schools Became Ideological Boot Camps In nearly every public school in the country, children are given curriculum materials that have no official oversight or approval. June 13, 2024 Read When anti-Israel radicals win local elections We must mobilize to counter an insidious movement that threatens democracy itself. April 4, 2024 Read How Bad Therapy Hijacked Our Nation’s Schools Forget the Pledge of Allegiance. Today’s teachers are more likely to start the school day with an ‘emotions check-in.’ Abigail Shrier on the rise of ‘trauma-informed’ education. February 27, 2024 Read Undercover with Liberated Ethnic Studies WITH parents, teachers, and students coming forward with information on mismanagement in their school districts, I believe it is even more important to reveal what I discovered in my almost two years inside Liberated Ethnic Studies. February 14, 2024 Read How U.S. Public Schools Teach Antisemitism From pre-K lessons on ‘ethnic noses’ to lectures on Israel as an apartheid state, students are learning that Jews are the enemy. December 19, 2023 Read The Inside Story of How Palestinians Took Over the World The brilliant Palestinian plan to capture the pliable minds of American college students was laid out in front of me 25 years ago, during a very sinister business meeting in Israel. November 18, 2023 Read The Cult of ‘Antizionism’ American progressive ideologues have formed a new ideology based on the negation of an all-powerful phantasm they call ‘Zionism.’ To fight them, we need to understand the origins of their beliefs in the Soviet academic propaganda apparatus. September 19, 2023 Read

Explore PeerK12's blog, op-eds, webinars, podcasts, and news stories - we are leading the movement to protect Jewish students and hold schools accountable. THE NEWSROOM Coverage on a range of topics that impact our work - from education policy, to hot topics, to fighting antisemitism, to incidents in districts and classroom ideological indoctrination. MORE RESOURCES IN THE NEWS ARTICLES podcasts blog FEATURED ARTICLE LATEST PODCAST POLICY UPDATES Systems of Power and Oppression: Ethnic Studies and The Dark Side of Teachers’ Unions At the heart of this fringe political movement to reprogram the American value-system are the teachers’ unions. Their agenda is ideological indoctrination, not education. And America’s students are caught in the crosshairs. Cloaked in promises of social justice and equity, these influential groups have quietly seized control of K–12 classrooms, steering education toward radical ideologies with deliberately deceiving names like ‘ethnic studies’. Read the Article CA AB 715: Governor Newsom Signs Antisemitism “Civil Rights” Bill That Protects Absolutely No One What began as a promising civil-rights bill to protect Jewish and Israeli-American students in California’s public schools has been gutted beyond recognition. Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 715, but not before lawmakers systematically removed every safeguard that once made the legislation meaningful. The result? A powerless “Office of Civil Rights and Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator” who cannot investigate, cannot enforce, and cannot act - only “advise.” Read the Post California’s Antisemitism Bill Explained plus Hostages Release Breaking News In this episode of The Israeli-American Podcast, we examine California’s AB 715 - originally meant to combat antisemitism in schools but stripped of all enforcement power before passage - leaving only a symbolic coordinator role. ICAN explains how the bill serves as cover for advancing Ethnic Studies and why Californians must stay engaged to demand real accountability and protections in 2026. Listen to the Podcast OUR BLOG Parents asked about a policy... the Principal responded with gobbledygook. Is the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) Officially Broken? INCIDENTS IN K-12 PEER K12 Sep 21 1/11 RECOMMENDED ARTICLES The Elephant on Bruin Walk: UCLA Can’t Curb Campus Antisemitism While Ignoring Faculty-Led Anti-Zionism At UCLA, faculty and departments have moved anti-Zionist activism from the margins into university life, becoming a core engine of campus antisemitism. San Dieguito District sets plan for healing in motion following antisemitic act on SDA campus Lucia Gordon, the mother of the student victim of the antisemitism incident, was critical of the district’s response. Gordon said when the incident was brought to light last month, no one ever reached out to her son or family. The ADL’s Medicine Is Causing the Disease Frames that divide the world into the oppressors and the oppressed create 15 times more antisemites while reinforcing sectarian division and hate on both the left and the right. The cure is a return to the universalist values on which America was founded. California Teachers’ Union Ruins an Earnest Effort to Confront Antisemitism And in so doing, has helped demonstrate why California’s schools, once among the best in the nation, are now among its worst. SDA family says antisemitism incident handled improperly According to PeerK12, the 10th-grade student flying overhead thought he was going to be taking a picture of students making a formation of a smiley face, but instead saw the swastika. “Administrators were notified immediately by the family – but declined to report the incident, saying it would be ‘handled next year.’ And then for nearly three months, nothing happened,” PeerK12 said. Beverly Hills Unified to adopt new flag policy after superintendent overrules Israeli flag display The new policy aligns with the superintendent's directive, "no flags will be displayed on our campuses other than the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of California." Show More PeerK12 Webinars & Podcasts Play Video Play Video 01:27:11 California’s Antisemitism Bill Explained plus Hostages Release Breaking News In this episode of The Israeli-American Podcast, we begin with breaking news — President Trump’s newly brokered agreement to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists. We examine what’s known about the deal’s first phase, its implications for Israel’s security and deterrence, and how it underscores renewed American leadership in the Middle East. Then we turn to California, where Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 715, legislation originally introduced to combat antisemitism and anti-Israeli discrimination in public schools. While we appreciate the bill’s intent, ICAN remains deeply concerned that lawmakers stripped the legislation of real enforcement power before passage. During the September 10 Senate Education Committee hearing, legislators removed the antisemitism definition, investigative authority, and civil-rights enforcement mechanisms, leaving only a coordinator who can provide “technical assistance” but no authority to investigate or enforce protections. We break down what this means for Jewish and Israeli-American students, how AB 715 was positioned as legislative cover for advancing the Ethnic Studies mandate, and why ICAN is urging Californians to stay engaged ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Governor Newsom has already promised follow-up legislation — and ICAN will work to ensure it delivers real accountability and genuine protections, not symbolic politics. Play Video Play Video 01:59:20 PeerK12 Advocacy after October 7th w/ Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi [Part 2] In this episode Tamar Caspi and Nicole Bernstein discuss the aftermath of the October 7th attacks and the surge of antisemitism in K-12 schools. They share their experiences mobilizing parents and educators to combat hate, the challenges of school responses, and the role of social media in spreading antisemitic sentiments. The conversation highlights the need for strategic political and legal actions to protect Jewish civil rights in educational settings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to PeerK12 and Recent Events 01:11 The Impact of October 7th on Jewish Students 05:04 Mobilizing Against Antisemitism in Schools 10:09 The Challenge of School Responses to Hate 12:04 The Role of Social Media in Antisemitism 16:26 Confronting Hate Speech and Accountability 23:21 Strategic Responses to Antisemitism 29:49 The Broader Implications of Indoctrination 35:45 Political and Legal Strategies for Change 41:22 Building a Cohesive Strategy Against Antisemitism About PeerK12 Co‑founders of PeerK12: Partnering with Nicole Bernstein, Tamar co‑founded the organization in 2021. PeerK12 works to counteract institutionalized Jew-hatred in K‑12 education by mobilizing communities for legal protections, policy reform, and curriculum transparency. Website -https://www.peerk12.org/ Keywords #PeerK12, #antisemitism, #ethnicstudies, #Jewisheducation, #communityactivism, #AB101, #Jewishidentity, #educationpolicy, #K12schools, #Jewishhistory, #education, #antisemitism, #communityadvocacy, #schoolpolicies, #misinformation, #Jewishidentity, #ethnicstudies, #parentinvolvement, #activism, #socialjustice Play Video Play Video 01:50:26 PeerK12 Moms Fight for Jewish Civil Rights w/ Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi [Ep 5 Part 1] Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi, co-founders of PeerK12, speak about their mission to combat Jew hatred in K-12 education. They discuss their backgrounds, the emergence of ethnic studies, and the implications of AB 101 on Jewish students. The conversation highlights the complexity of ethnic studies curriculum, the importance of community mobilization, and the need for resolutions condemning antisemitism. They also explore how current events influence activism and the experiences of antisemitism in schools, emphasizing the importance of unity within the Jewish community. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Jewish communities in the context of education, particularly regarding the spread of misinformation and antisemitism. They discuss the importance of community mobilization, the role of parents in advocating for their children's rights, and the need for accountability within school districts. They reflect on past experiences and the lessons learned, emphasizing the necessity of proactive engagement and collaboration with other communities to address these issues effectively. About PeerK12 Co‑founders of PeerK12: Partnering with Nicole Bernstein, Tamar co‑founded the organization in 2021. PeerK12 works to counteract institutionalized Jew-hatred in K‑12 education by mobilizing communities for legal protections, policy reform, and curriculum transparency. Website -https://www.peerk12.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Peer K12 and Its Mission 09:57 The Emergence of Ethnic Studies and Its Implications 19:06 The Controversy Surrounding AB 101 26:00 The Role of the Liberated Ethnic Studies Consortium 34:00 Real-Life Impacts of Antisemitism in Schools 39:58 Mobilizing the Community Against Antisemitism 43:15 The Importance of Nuanced Resolutions Against Antisemitism 44:39 Community Response to Antisemitism in Schools 46:51 Inclusion of Jewish Heritage in Education 49:10 Understanding Anti-Zionism and Its Implications 50:19 The Role of Student Advocacy in School Policies 54:18 The Impact of Immigrant Values on Community Support 57:10 The Complexity of Jewish Identity and Community Dynamics 01:01:11 The Challenge of Addressing Antisemitism in Education 01:06:22 The Need for Jewish Community Self-Care 01:09:07 The Role of Parents in Combating Antisemitism 01:13:05 Case Study: Addressing Classroom Incidents of Antisemitism 01:20:28 The Principle of Accountability 01:21:49 Going Public for Change 01:23:10 Navigating School Board Procedures 01:24:59 Community Support and Solidarity 01:26:12 Mobilizing Diverse Communities 01:28:04 The Power of Collective Action 01:29:19 Activating Parental Involvement 01:30:47 The Role of Transparency in Education 01:32:35 Curriculum and Accountability 01:34:29 Consequences of Inaction 01:35:18 The Importance of Community Engagement 01:39:15 Lessons from the Past 01:40:53 Ongoing Advocacy and Support 01:45:01 Challenges with Legacy Organizations 01:47:38 The Need for a New Approach #PeerK12, #antisemitism, #ethnicstudies, #Jewisheducation, #communityactivism, #AB101, #Jewishidentity, #educationpolicy, #K12schools, #Jewishhistory, #education, #antisemitism, #communityadvocacy, #schoolpolicies, #misinformation, #Jewishidentity, #ethnicstudies, #parentinvolvement, #activism, #socialjustice Play Video Play Video 01:55:31 Ethnic Studies Live Webinar 9 4 25 On September 4, 2025, Courageous Conversations about our Schools and Braver Angels hosted a "fishbowl" conversation about California's Ethnic Studies course for high school students. Four people who support the course spoke first, followed by 4 people who have concerns about it. The 8 panelists were asked to share concerns they had about their own positions. Chapters: 0:00 - 8:40 Welcome and discussion overview 8:40 - 18:15 EdSource Journalist provides background on California's Ethnic Studies Course 18:15 - 40:28 Panelists in support of Ethnic Studies 42:00 - 51:50 Q&A with panelists in support of Ethnic Studies 51:50 - 1:17:20 Panelists concerned about Ethnic Studies 1:17:20 - 1:34:25 Q&A with panelists concerned about Ethnic Studies 1:34:25 - 1:53:50 - Takeaways from panelists 1:53:50 - 1:55:31 - Acknowledgements and closing comments Note: Audience members submitted their takeaways in the chat window. Those comments and additional information about this event are available at www.schoolconversations.org/ethnic-studies-event. Play Video Play Video 01:02:13 PARENT POWER: Depoliticizing the Curriculum Moderator: Mika Hackner, Director of Research, NAVI Panelists: Tamar Caspi, PeerK12; Kofi Montzka, Attorney and Laura Zhiss, co-founder of SHIELD (Supporting Honest Instruction & Equitable Learning for our Diaspora) Across the country, curricular standards are increasingly embedding politicized content that portrays America and the West as inherently oppressive. Under the banner of ethnic studies and related labels, activist networks are advancing political activism in the K-12 classroom, shutting out dissenting views and undermining student learning. Learn what you can do to counter the politicization of education and advocate for a renewed focus on academics, critical thinking, and civic development in your local schools. Play Video Play Video 01:25:23 Exclusive Briefing for Parents & Educators: Israel’s Operation Against the Islamic Republic of Iran Join ICAN for an urgent community briefing on the latest developments regarding Israel's operation against Iran. Specifically tailored for parents, educators, and school board members, this session will provide essential information, expert insights, and practical tools for navigating discussions in schools and homes. Ensure you're informed, prepared, and equipped to support our students during this critical time. Play Video Play Video 06:44 CTA oppose efforts to stop their hate speech in classrooms Dillon Hosier and Nicole Bernstein break down the bizarre rational behind why the California Teachers Association (CTA) - represented here by an LA Unified elementary school teacher and infamous UTLA (extreme anti-Israel activists), David Goldberg (a JINO - Jew In Name Only) - opposes CA AB 715 - a bill that aims to protect Jewish students in K-12 from unlawful discrimination, hate speech, intimidation, harrassment, etc. due to their religion or national origin. Play Video Play Video 07:38 School Board Association Opposition to Accountability Dillon Hosier and Nicole Bernstein break down the insanity behind why the California School Boards Association (CSBA) - represented here by their lobbyist, Carlos Machado - opposes CA AB 715 - a bill that aims to protect Jewish students in K-12 from unlawful discrimination due to their religion or national origin.

The brilliant Palestinian plan to capture the pliable minds of American college students was laid out in front of me 25 years ago, during a very sinister business meeting in Israel. < Back The Inside Story of How Palestinians Took Over the World The brilliant Palestinian plan to capture the pliable minds of American college students was laid out in front of me 25 years ago, during a very sinister business meeting in Israel. The brilliant Palestinian plan to capture the pliable minds of American college students was laid out in front of me 25 years ago, during a very sinister business meeting in Israel. It was around the time of the Oslo Accords. I had been hired by the Ford Foundation to create a marketing institute for their grantees in the country. Ford was funding the operations of both Jewish and Arab organizations within the Israeli green line, in an effort to help build a vibrant liberal civil society. Ford put me in partnership with a young Israeli woman, Debra London. (Debra, now one of my closest friends, has just been selected to head up fundraising for the rebuilding of Kibbutz Be’eri.) She and I drew up a plan to interview each of the grantees, as well as Israeli ad agencies and media firms. While we wanted to learn about the grantees, we also planned to secure free marketing work and media to be an essential part of the institute. When we interviewed the Jewish organizations, the atmosphere was almost giddy with hope, possibility and belief in Shimon Peres’s new Middle East. Each organization we interviewed talked excitedly about peace and co-existence, a flourishing economy among both the Jews and the Palestinians, collaborative projects and interchanges. But when we interviewed the Arab organizations, the word “peace” never passed their lips. They spoke of independence, dignity, self-rule, a state. One person even told me she would never use the word “du-kiyum ” (co-existence). “There is no such thing as co-existence,” she stressed. “We are just the tenants living on the property that the Jews now own. That’s not a balanced co-existence.” I tried to explain to my fellow Jewish liberals that we — the Jews and the Arabs — were having two very separate conversations. We were talking “peace.” They were talking “independence.” But as the weeks of interviews progressed, I found the Arab organizations were talking about a whole lot more. I asked hard questions of both the Jews and Arabs in the interviewing process. With the Arab organizations, when I brought up any sensitive, and not-so-sensitive, issues—like terrorism, cooperation and even budget—the interviewee would slam on the brakes. And then from each organization, the same words were spoken: “When you are in Haifa meeting with Itijaa, you can ask that question to Ameer Makhoul.” Itijaa was an Arab civil rights organization. Ameer Makhoul was its executive director. It became clear to me that Ameer Makhoul had some type of control over all the Arab NGOs I was speaking to. Finally, Debra and I arrived at the offices of Itijaa. Skinny, bespectacled, young Ameer Makhoul emerged from his office, took a look at me and said, “So this is the Gary Wexler who has been asking all the questions.” And then he ticked off every question I had asked along with the name of each person I had posed the question to. He brought us into his office and began pacing. “So, Gary Wexler, let me answer your questions in the following way. One: Gary Wexler, who is sitting in front of me now, went to Los Angeles City College for two years where you were an Israel activist and editor of the school newspaper. You wrote a lot about Israel. And continued to do so at California State University, Northridge. You spent five summers as a volunteer on Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar. Through your marketing agency, Passion Marketing, you service the following clients of the Jewish world and in Israel.” He named every one. I knew this guy was trouble. “And now, Gary Wexler,” he sat down, “let me give you more direct answers.” He looked me straight in the eye. “Just like you were a Zionist campus activist, we will create, over the next years, Palestinian campus activists in America and all over the world. Bigger and better than any Zionist activists. Just like you spent your summers on the kibbutz, we will bring college students to spend their summers in refugee camps and work with our people. Just like you have been part of creating global pro-Israel organizations, we will create global pro-Palestinian organizations. Just like you today help create PR campaigns and events for Israel, so will we, but we will get more coverage than you ever have.” He stood again this time, right over me. “You wonder how we will make this happen, how we will pay for this? Not with the money from your liberal Jewish organizations who are now funding us. But from the European Union, Arab and Muslim governments, wealthy Arab people and their organizations. Eventually, we will not take another dollar from the Jews.” Then he approached real close. “What do you think of this?” I took a breath. I remained professional. “Nothing. I’m here on behalf of the Ford Foundation collecting information for a planned marketing institute.” He came even closer. “I am asking what does Gary Wexler think of what I just said. You, Gary Wexler.” I repeated my answer. He came even closer. “I ask again. What does Gary Wexler think of what I just said.” Debra and I got up. I took my writing pad. “I feel that you are threatening me and we are leaving.” The next morning I received a call from the program officer at the Ford Foundation. “Gary, we have a problem. We received a call from Ameer Makhoul and we understand you spewed out all sorts of Zionist propaganda and he felt very threatened by you.” I told him it was a lie. The program officer continued to press me as to what I had said. I related the conversation word for word. He repeated what Ameer Makhoul had said. I told him to call Debra London who was with me through the entire interview, and verify it with her. I also told him that they better check their funding to these Arab organizations, because Ameer Makhoul appeared to be controlling all of them with some very hateful behaviors. He backed down. Debra and I wrote up our recommendations for how they needed to build the marketing institute, including a recommendation for using the pro bono work, worth nearly 1 million shekels, that we had secured from the ad agencies. The program officer, a former academic focused on the nonprofit sector, couldn’t understand the value of businesses being involved and rejected it out of hand. A few weeks later, he told Debra and me that he had hired an NGO consulting team to finish the work. They would be giving several hours of consultation to each organization. Several years later, I learned Ameer Makhoul had been arrested by the Israelis as a spy for Syria. As the years went on, I began to see what Ameer Makhoul had laid out to me taking shape. The PR coverage was first: The Muhammad al-Durrah incident in Gaza, when a 12-year-old boy was shot to death on the second day of the Second Intifada, capturing global headlines. The Mavi Marmara, the Turkish Flotilla to Gaza that the Israelis stormed, killing several Palestinian activists, grabbing global headlines. I knew the Mavi Marmara was manufactured for the exposure it would gain. Then the campuses: The creation of Apartheid Week worldwide. The growth of BDS. The student volunteers who began by the thousands to work in the Palestinian territories and its refugee camps. The shocking creation of anti-Zionist Jewish student groups. As an award-winning copywriter and creative director in ad agencies and a professor of Communication at USC, I have developed an intuitive antenna to detect similarities between writing styles, idea styles and conceptual creation. In the early years of this pro-Palestinian campaign, I could see the commonalities of excellence, style and manipulation across all their platforms. Teaching on a university campus gave me a front-row seat at this theater of darkening skies. People of color, particularly antisemitic Black groups like BLM, were organizing to identify with the Palestinians. Many organizations representing people seen as oppressed were moved to identify with the Palestinians. Students of every variety were swayed. People of color, particularly antisemitic Black groups like BLM, were organizing to identify with the Palestinians. Many organizations representing people seen as oppressed were moved to identify with the Palestinians. Students of every variety were swayed. I could see the commonalities of language creation and transfer — my field — being applied to the Jews. Many of them were old antisemitic tropes into which new life was being breathed: Israel and Jews are colonialists just like other white oppressors around the world. Israel is an apartheid society, the same as South Africa was. Jews have white privileg e, even though more than 50% of Jews are dark-skinned people from the Arab world, Iran and Africa. Jews hold power in media and banking, making them the enemy. Jews center themselves as capitalists and donors. Jews don’t hold space for anyone but themselves. Jews need to be held accountable for the pain they are causing. If you challenged any of this you were a racist, the worst thing you could possibly be accused of. (Except if you are racist against Jews. Then you prove you are a true ally of the oppressed.) Our enemies have had a real success. They have formed a winning international communication army with trained troops everywhere. Israeli writer, producer and former antisemitism envoy Noa Tishby recently said that students, particularly Jewish ones who are protesting against Israel, have been “played,” but I don’t know if even she understands the background and extent of it. They haven’t just been played, they’ve been turned. Many of them are alumni of Jewish day schools and camps. Those students believe they have joined the other side because they were the victims of a propagandized Zionist education and have now seen the light. No, they are the victims of a propagandized, slow, well-crafted plan, laid out to me by Ameer Makhoul. And what has been the Jewish world’s response to all of this? Funders are now putting up pro-Jewish and pro-Israel billboards in American cities. As if a clever one-line message can combat all these brilliant, strategized organizing efforts on behalf of our enemies. Others are organizing TikTok and Twitter troops. But that work is in response to the playing field that has been established and won by the enemies of the Jewish people. We show ourselves in a defensive mode. We are playing on the field they have drawn. We need to draw our own, in a very big way. There are many good organizations being funded and working on our behalf, but their work, alone, is not the answer. It is imperative we have overall strategizing and coordinating. Right now, it is every organization for itself. It’s an uncoordinated battlefield where each squadron is moving in its own direction, rather than toward the same hill—the only way for victory. It is imperative that we create big, brilliant, creative ideas of engagement. We must view this as a pervasive Jewish community organizing effort for communication purposes, in collaboration with the Israelis. American Jews are sending cans of food and socks to Israel while the Palestinians are conceptualizing bigger and better worldwide actions. We’re still fighting and demonizing one another. Many organizations have not yet woken up that it is no longer business as usual. In the last three weeks I have received no fewer than 200 solicitations for 200 separate efforts. American Jews are sending cans of food and socks to Israel while the Palestinians are conceptualizing bigger and better worldwide actions. We’re still fighting and demonizing one another. Many organizations have not yet woken up that it is no longer business as usual. I’m on the board of one that I’ve had to rattle, saying, “No, we cannot position what we are doing just as we always have. Everything now has to be repositioned against the background of this war on Israel and the Jewish people.” In the propaganda war, we could be learning a lot from our enemies, who have learned a lot from us. Maybe we need our own Ameer Makhoul and all his buddies? Is any leadership team, that we can all get behind, going to step forward? Gary Wexler was recently honored by the National Library of Israel with the creation of The Gary Wexler Archive, a 20 year history of Jewish life told through the advertising campaigns he created for Jewish organizations in the US, Canada and Israel. Previous Next

Welcome to our LEARNING CENTER ETHNIC STUDIES Our resource hub for ethnic studies includes everything you need to equip yourself to engage with your school district, your elected officials, and others in your community. podcasts & BOOKS Some of our favorites covering the most complex and relevant topics crucial to understanding everything from school policy to Jewish history. research Research, reports, white papers, and policy briefs on political indoctrination in K-12 curriculum, and policies affecting Jewish Civil Rights in school environments. HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE International Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27th - we have materials, links and resources that are appropriate for K-12. BLOG This is where we unpack controversies, expose hidden influences, and shine a light on how policies and curricula shape the future of America's schools. COMMEMORATING OCT 7TH Guidance for school districts on how to help students navigate the traumatic events of the October 7th Terrorist attacks in Israel. VIDEOS We have curated a large collection of informative videos that are appropriate also for K-12 students and can be used in the classroom as supplementary material. Petitions & ACTION ALERTS Ongoing petitions from our partners that are vetted and approved by PeerK12. jewish american heritage month Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrated in May, is an opportunity to learn about the history, contributions, and experiences of Jewish Americans. Click through to our curated list of unbiased, educational resources appropriate for students in grades K-12 that highlight Jewish American history, culture, and contributions. JAHM RESOURCES Featured blog post & webinars Parents asked about a policy... the Principal responded with gobbledygook. Is the San Dieguito Union High School District (SDUHSD) Officially Broken? PEER K12 Sep 21 CA AB 715: Governor Newsom Signs Antisemitism “Civil Rights” Bill That Protects Absolutely No One What began as a promising civil-rights bill to protect Jewish and Israeli-American students in California’s public schools has been gutted beyond recognition. PEER K12 Oct 9 PeerK12 Webinars & Podcasts Play Video Play Video 01:27:11 California’s Antisemitism Bill Explained plus Hostages Release Breaking News In this episode of The Israeli-American Podcast, we begin with breaking news — President Trump’s newly brokered agreement to free Israeli hostages held by Hamas terrorists. We examine what’s known about the deal’s first phase, its implications for Israel’s security and deterrence, and how it underscores renewed American leadership in the Middle East. Then we turn to California, where Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 715, legislation originally introduced to combat antisemitism and anti-Israeli discrimination in public schools. While we appreciate the bill’s intent, ICAN remains deeply concerned that lawmakers stripped the legislation of real enforcement power before passage. During the September 10 Senate Education Committee hearing, legislators removed the antisemitism definition, investigative authority, and civil-rights enforcement mechanisms, leaving only a coordinator who can provide “technical assistance” but no authority to investigate or enforce protections. We break down what this means for Jewish and Israeli-American students, how AB 715 was positioned as legislative cover for advancing the Ethnic Studies mandate, and why ICAN is urging Californians to stay engaged ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Governor Newsom has already promised follow-up legislation — and ICAN will work to ensure it delivers real accountability and genuine protections, not symbolic politics. Play Video Play Video 01:59:20 PeerK12 Advocacy after October 7th w/ Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi [Part 2] In this episode Tamar Caspi and Nicole Bernstein discuss the aftermath of the October 7th attacks and the surge of antisemitism in K-12 schools. They share their experiences mobilizing parents and educators to combat hate, the challenges of school responses, and the role of social media in spreading antisemitic sentiments. The conversation highlights the need for strategic political and legal actions to protect Jewish civil rights in educational settings. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to PeerK12 and Recent Events 01:11 The Impact of October 7th on Jewish Students 05:04 Mobilizing Against Antisemitism in Schools 10:09 The Challenge of School Responses to Hate 12:04 The Role of Social Media in Antisemitism 16:26 Confronting Hate Speech and Accountability 23:21 Strategic Responses to Antisemitism 29:49 The Broader Implications of Indoctrination 35:45 Political and Legal Strategies for Change 41:22 Building a Cohesive Strategy Against Antisemitism About PeerK12 Co‑founders of PeerK12: Partnering with Nicole Bernstein, Tamar co‑founded the organization in 2021. PeerK12 works to counteract institutionalized Jew-hatred in K‑12 education by mobilizing communities for legal protections, policy reform, and curriculum transparency. Website -https://www.peerk12.org/ Keywords #PeerK12, #antisemitism, #ethnicstudies, #Jewisheducation, #communityactivism, #AB101, #Jewishidentity, #educationpolicy, #K12schools, #Jewishhistory, #education, #antisemitism, #communityadvocacy, #schoolpolicies, #misinformation, #Jewishidentity, #ethnicstudies, #parentinvolvement, #activism, #socialjustice Play Video Play Video 01:50:26 PeerK12 Moms Fight for Jewish Civil Rights w/ Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi [Ep 5 Part 1] Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi, co-founders of PeerK12, speak about their mission to combat Jew hatred in K-12 education. They discuss their backgrounds, the emergence of ethnic studies, and the implications of AB 101 on Jewish students. The conversation highlights the complexity of ethnic studies curriculum, the importance of community mobilization, and the need for resolutions condemning antisemitism. They also explore how current events influence activism and the experiences of antisemitism in schools, emphasizing the importance of unity within the Jewish community. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by Jewish communities in the context of education, particularly regarding the spread of misinformation and antisemitism. They discuss the importance of community mobilization, the role of parents in advocating for their children's rights, and the need for accountability within school districts. They reflect on past experiences and the lessons learned, emphasizing the necessity of proactive engagement and collaboration with other communities to address these issues effectively. About PeerK12 Co‑founders of PeerK12: Partnering with Nicole Bernstein, Tamar co‑founded the organization in 2021. PeerK12 works to counteract institutionalized Jew-hatred in K‑12 education by mobilizing communities for legal protections, policy reform, and curriculum transparency. Website -https://www.peerk12.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Peer K12 and Its Mission 09:57 The Emergence of Ethnic Studies and Its Implications 19:06 The Controversy Surrounding AB 101 26:00 The Role of the Liberated Ethnic Studies Consortium 34:00 Real-Life Impacts of Antisemitism in Schools 39:58 Mobilizing the Community Against Antisemitism 43:15 The Importance of Nuanced Resolutions Against Antisemitism 44:39 Community Response to Antisemitism in Schools 46:51 Inclusion of Jewish Heritage in Education 49:10 Understanding Anti-Zionism and Its Implications 50:19 The Role of Student Advocacy in School Policies 54:18 The Impact of Immigrant Values on Community Support 57:10 The Complexity of Jewish Identity and Community Dynamics 01:01:11 The Challenge of Addressing Antisemitism in Education 01:06:22 The Need for Jewish Community Self-Care 01:09:07 The Role of Parents in Combating Antisemitism 01:13:05 Case Study: Addressing Classroom Incidents of Antisemitism 01:20:28 The Principle of Accountability 01:21:49 Going Public for Change 01:23:10 Navigating School Board Procedures 01:24:59 Community Support and Solidarity 01:26:12 Mobilizing Diverse Communities 01:28:04 The Power of Collective Action 01:29:19 Activating Parental Involvement 01:30:47 The Role of Transparency in Education 01:32:35 Curriculum and Accountability 01:34:29 Consequences of Inaction 01:35:18 The Importance of Community Engagement 01:39:15 Lessons from the Past 01:40:53 Ongoing Advocacy and Support 01:45:01 Challenges with Legacy Organizations 01:47:38 The Need for a New Approach #PeerK12, #antisemitism, #ethnicstudies, #Jewisheducation, #communityactivism, #AB101, #Jewishidentity, #educationpolicy, #K12schools, #Jewishhistory, #education, #antisemitism, #communityadvocacy, #schoolpolicies, #misinformation, #Jewishidentity, #ethnicstudies, #parentinvolvement, #activism, #socialjustice Play Video Play Video 01:55:31 Ethnic Studies Live Webinar 9 4 25 On September 4, 2025, Courageous Conversations about our Schools and Braver Angels hosted a "fishbowl" conversation about California's Ethnic Studies course for high school students. Four people who support the course spoke first, followed by 4 people who have concerns about it. The 8 panelists were asked to share concerns they had about their own positions. Chapters: 0:00 - 8:40 Welcome and discussion overview 8:40 - 18:15 EdSource Journalist provides background on California's Ethnic Studies Course 18:15 - 40:28 Panelists in support of Ethnic Studies 42:00 - 51:50 Q&A with panelists in support of Ethnic Studies 51:50 - 1:17:20 Panelists concerned about Ethnic Studies 1:17:20 - 1:34:25 Q&A with panelists concerned about Ethnic Studies 1:34:25 - 1:53:50 - Takeaways from panelists 1:53:50 - 1:55:31 - Acknowledgements and closing comments Note: Audience members submitted their takeaways in the chat window. Those comments and additional information about this event are available at www.schoolconversations.org/ethnic-studies-event. Play Video Play Video 01:02:13 PARENT POWER: Depoliticizing the Curriculum Moderator: Mika Hackner, Director of Research, NAVI Panelists: Tamar Caspi, PeerK12; Kofi Montzka, Attorney and Laura Zhiss, co-founder of SHIELD (Supporting Honest Instruction & Equitable Learning for our Diaspora) Across the country, curricular standards are increasingly embedding politicized content that portrays America and the West as inherently oppressive. Under the banner of ethnic studies and related labels, activist networks are advancing political activism in the K-12 classroom, shutting out dissenting views and undermining student learning. Learn what you can do to counter the politicization of education and advocate for a renewed focus on academics, critical thinking, and civic development in your local schools. Play Video Play Video 01:25:23 Exclusive Briefing for Parents & Educators: Israel’s Operation Against the Islamic Republic of Iran Join ICAN for an urgent community briefing on the latest developments regarding Israel's operation against Iran. Specifically tailored for parents, educators, and school board members, this session will provide essential information, expert insights, and practical tools for navigating discussions in schools and homes. Ensure you're informed, prepared, and equipped to support our students during this critical time. Play Video Play Video 06:44 CTA oppose efforts to stop their hate speech in classrooms Dillon Hosier and Nicole Bernstein break down the bizarre rational behind why the California Teachers Association (CTA) - represented here by an LA Unified elementary school teacher and infamous UTLA (extreme anti-Israel activists), David Goldberg (a JINO - Jew In Name Only) - opposes CA AB 715 - a bill that aims to protect Jewish students in K-12 from unlawful discrimination, hate speech, intimidation, harrassment, etc. due to their religion or national origin. Play Video Play Video 07:38 School Board Association Opposition to Accountability Dillon Hosier and Nicole Bernstein break down the insanity behind why the California School Boards Association (CSBA) - represented here by their lobbyist, Carlos Machado - opposes CA AB 715 - a bill that aims to protect Jewish students in K-12 from unlawful discrimination due to their religion or national origin. K-12 Extremism tracker Our partners at NAVI Values maintain a substack called " The K-12 Extremism Tracker " - a collection of verified and impeccably researched, up-to-date evidence and visual proof of the kinds of extremist, anti-Western values, anti-liberal, antisemitic ideology currently found in classrooms and schools across the country. PeerK12 regularly partners with NAVI Values to track, research, and document these examples. NAVI Values K-12 Tracker Substack our trusted partners To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Since 2021, PeerK12 has been on the front lines protecting K–12 education from Jew-hatred and extremist agendas. With expertise in ethnic studies, school district politics, and Jewish Civil Rights advocacy —we are unapologetic in our work to expose and remove antisemitism in elementary, middle, and high schools at the root. for & Partners Equality Educational Responsibility dedicated to unapologetically fighting institutionalized Jew-hatred in K-12 education Founded in 2021, PeerK12 is a grassroots movement operating on the front lines inside school districts by defending Jewish civil rights, fighting extremist agendas, and protecting merit-based education in America’s K-12 institutions. 01. We hold school districts accountable, educate voters and candidates, advocate for policy reform, and build powerful coalitions with like-minded allies. 02. Our expertise includes handling and resolving antisemitic incidents in K-12, ethnic studies , school district politics, and Jewish Civil Rights advocacy. 03. We fight for integrity, merit-based equality, and truth in every classroom, and we won’t back down until every student’s civil rights are protected. empowering voices We don’t just raise awareness; we deliver results. We're parents ourselves - so we know what it's like to try and navigate the K-12 system and the frustrations of having your concerns trivialized or even ignored. The system is complicated, confusing, and cumbersome. Purposefully so. But we're here to help. Our case-by-case, customized advocacy strategies empower parents, students, teachers, and communities to identify and address Jew-hatred and injustice in K-12 schools with urgency, precision, and lasting results. By working directly with impacted parents, affected students and teachers, and concerned community leaders we help shape or reshape the policies and laws that ensure long term protection against anti-Jewish, anti-Zionist, anti-Israel, and anti-American bias and hate. DRIVING CHANGE Unapologetically fighting for our Jewish Civil Rights in K-12. We are the bridge that connects K-12 policy makers, administrators, and elected officials with their constituents. Our activities range from passing resolutions at school boards and building relationships with candidates and incumbents, to responding to antisemitic incidents in schools, and organizing workshops that train parents and students on how to advocate for the protection of their Jewish civil rights in the K-12 ecosystem. Everything we do provides immediate support for the victims while at the same time delivering positive and long lasting change by preventing or eliminating future recurrences. Through targeted advocacy, coalition building, and hands-on mobilization activities, we create impactful solutions. ACCOUNTABILITY While some stay silent, we step up & demand accountability. When Jew-hatred and intolerance go unchallenged, PeerK12 steps in as a proactive and relentless force for accountability and change. Some may find our proactive approach aggressive - we call it bold, proud, and unapologetic - because we believe that standing up for your own civil rights is always the right approach. Mobilizing communities, engaging policymakers, and ensuring that no student or family ever feels alone is our commitment in the fight for the protection of Jewish Civil Rights in K-12 environments. advocacy & mobilization Our grassroots reach has enabled us to help parents, students, and teachers across the country. We’ve been on the front lines since 2021, helping parents nationwide navigate every challenge in their school districts. Whatever you’re facing, we’ve seen it—and we know exactly what works (and what doesn't) . L et us fast-track you past the trial-and-error frustrations straight to our proven strategies that get results. You don’t have to go at it alone—we’re in this together. Join our Movement

Explore PeerK12's comprehensive resources on Ethnic Studies in K-12 education. Understand its ideological origins, potential impacts, and learn how communities can advocate effectively protect their students from radical ideologies, ensure transparency in their school districts, and provide unbiased curriculum for their children. WELCOME TO THE ETHNIC STUDIES LEARNING HUB CA ethnic studies LEGISLATION 2021 - 2025 scroll to learn more about each bill ... 01 Mandatory Legislative Guardrails Must not use any content that was removed due to bias Must reflect diversity of CA Must be fact-based + nondiscriminatory Must not teach religious doctrine Must be reviewed with full transparency Must be approval by local school district board 02 Local School District Options for Implementing Ethnic Studies Based on CA ESMC An existing ES course An A–G approved ES course A locally developed ES course 03 Mandated Budget Clause (the fine print) State Budget must fund ethnic studies for mandate to take effect Budget rounds in 2025 (January, May & July) all failed to fund ethnic studies = mandate does not take effect 04 2023-24 Commission on Hate Report Findings on Ethnic Studies Ethnic Studies contains biased, discriminatory lesson plans Failed enforcement of Guardrails No oversight in curricula development or implementation Recommended pausing ethnic studies mandate to resolve all issues The Ethnic Studies Origin Story Uncovering the History Behind Education’s Most Controversial Discipline Whether you're a seasoned expert or simply curious, this session will challenge your assumptions, equip you with new insights, and leave you better prepared to engage in one of America's most critical and ongoing debates. Discover hidden connections between historical activism, controversial educational mandates, and today’s fierce ideological battles unfolding inside classrooms nationwide. After you see this video, y ou'll understand precisely how concepts such as intersectionality , decolonization , land acknowledgements , and dismantling systems of power have quietly reshaped curricula—and why this matters profoundly, even if you don't have kids currently attending K-12 schools. debunked studies on positive outcomes Studies Fail to Support Claims of New California Ethnic Studies Requirement A law mandating the course for all public high school students is based on two unreplicated studies that distort the data. March 28, 2022 | RICHARD SANDER and ABRAHAM WYNER Last fall, when California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a measure that could require every California public high school student to take an “ethnic studies” course to graduate, he alluded to two studies commonly cited by advocates to justify the measure, claiming the research shows that ethnic studies courses “boost student achievement over the long run—especially among students of color.” But the experiment on which these conclusions are based is so muddled, and the data reported is so ambiguous, that in fact they support no conclusion, either positive or negative, about the effects of this particular ethnic studies course in these particular schools and times. Far from demonstrating the value of ethnic studies courses, these studies merely demonstrate how easy it is in our overheated political environment to subvert statistical analyses for political purposes. Debunking the myth that ethnic studies promotes educational outcomes "The work they present fails many basic tests of scientific method, and it should not have been published as written, much less relied upon in the formulation of public policy." Read the Article California department of justice California Department of Justice: Office of the Attorney General Legal Alert to School Districts on Curriculum January 9, 2024 California’s Education Code also requires that curricula and instructional materials used in public schools: Reflect the diversity of the State by including a study of the role and contributions of protected groups (Ed. Code, § 51204.5); Accurately “portray the cultural and racial diversity” of society (Ed. Code, § 60040); Not contain any matter reflecting adversely on persons because of their race, sex, color, national origin, or ancestry. (Ed. Code, § 51501); Not teach or promote religious doctrine (Ed. Code, § 51225.3, subd. (a)(1)(G)(v). Download the Legal Alert PDF California Commission on the State of Hate 2023-2024 REPORT FINDS THAT Ethnic studies FUELS DIVISION & HATE CALIFORNIA Commission on THE State of Hate Annual Report Highlighting Ethnic Studies Dangers, Calls for Pause February 2025 The California Commission on the State of Hate’s 2023-2024 Annual Report provides a critical examination of ethnic studies implementation, education policy, and hate prevention efforts in California schools. The report highlights serious concerns about bias, enforcement failures, and the lack of oversight in ethnic studies curricula, which must be addressed before further educational mandates are pursued. Read the 2023-2024 State of Hate Report CA ethnic studies violations & lawsuits California Department of EDUCATION INVESTIGATIONS The California Department of Education (CDE) has investigated and found that the following three school districts are guilty of violating the civil rights of their Jewish students, teachers, and faculty with their ethnic studies curriculum: Campbell Union High School District Santa Clara Unified School District ( USD) Tamalpais Union High School District (home district and alma mater of California Governor Gavin Newsom ) ETHNIC STUDIES related LAWSUITS in california CA Department of Education Berkeley USD Hayward USD Los Angeles USD Mountain View–Los Altos UHSD Palo Alto USD San Diego USD Santa Ana USD Sequoia Union High School District federal office of civil rights investigations Title VI - National Origin Discrimination Involving Religion Berkeley USD Fullerton USD Lammersville USD Los Angeles USD Oakland USD Placentia-Yorba Linda USD Roseville City School District San Francisco USD West Contra Costa USD WEBINARS & VIDEOS ON ETHNIC STUDIES Ethnic Studies All Categories Play Video Play Video 04:37 UNDERSTANDING ETHNIC STUDIES IN 5 MINUTES OR LESS Hey Everyone, I finally made a short explainer video onto the subject of Liberated Ethnic Studies. This is a good one to share with friends who don't see the concern. Please like share and if you haven't subscribe! All of the in-depth videos are on the live page. The subject is heavy and nearly every parental advocate is covering it because it is that urgent. Music Ben Sound License code: O0CETJWKOQ7YK6GO Play Video Play Video 13:13 Ethnic Studies: Education or Indoctrination? California is proposing a mandatory ethnic studies class that is so far-left, that even California’s liberal media are expressing concern. It will teach California high school students that capitalism is an oppressive system akin to white supremacy, and word like Misogynoir, Positionalities, and cis-hetero-patriarchy. And YouTube decided to instantly demonetize this episode before it had a title, tag, description, or was even made public. I wonder what Google felt was too controversial? How did the bots read this episode? SUPPORT US: Patreon.......►https://www.patreon.com/americauncovered SOCIAL: Facebook...► https://www.facebook.com/America-Uncovered-1819821761677650/ Instagram..► https://www.instagram.com/chinauncensored Twitter........► https://twitter.com/USUncovered us news red pill gender equality president trump political news Play Video Play Video 02:06 Mother Testifies Against Ethnic Studies Bill: “Not Everything That Sounds Good IS Good” Kofi Montzka, a Minnesotan attorney and mother of three, testified against H.F. 1269 on March 21, 2023. "We used to have a race-based system. We got rid of it, and now you all are trying to bring it back.” For more information on this legislation and how to contact your legislators, go to www.americanexperiment.org/bait-and-switch/ Play Video Play Video 05:40 What Students REALLY Learn in Ethnic Studies Classes? Curious about what students REALLY learn in ethnic studies classes? Watch this video to find out the eye-opening insights shared by students themselves! What Students REALLY Learn in Ethnic Studies Classes? Play Video Play Video 02:31:03 California Forum on Ethnic Studies in Public Schools Are ethnic studies classes giving students a broader perspective—or pushing ideological agendas? The California Forum on Ethnic Studies in Public Schools is your chance to speak up. This live-streamed, citizen-hearing style event brings students, parents, and educators together to share their real-world experiences—directly with policymakers—fostering honest dialogue about what’s happening in classrooms across California. Join us as we tackle the tough questions: 🔹 Are ethnic studies courses meeting ed code standards? 🔹 How can we keep education free from political bias and discrimination? 🔹 What should parents, teachers, and lawmakers do next? This is your opportunity to take action and be heard. Whether you’re a concerned parent, a passionate educator, or a student with firsthand experience, your voice matters. Play Video Play Video 01:15:56 Ethnic Studies: From Radical Roots to Government Mandate Join the Institute for Liberal Values with the Coalition for Empowered Education livestream discussing the problems with Liberated Ethnic Studies and what the coalition is doing about it. Play Video Play Video 01:03:07 4. Teach Ethnic Studies - The Racist Roots and History of Critical-Liberated Ethnic Studies Understand the racist roots and history of Critical-Liberated Ethnic Studies and the ideologies and structures that guide and inspire the DEI efforts in today’s educational institutions. 1. Ideological Subversion: Increase your understanding of the process of ideological subversion in social justice education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucjhIilHoYw 2. Guiding Principles: Infuse the Empowered Social Justice Guiding Principles into social justice teaching and learning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtRG3iPK8Dg 3. Standards and Resources: Use the Empowered Social Justice framework and resources to teach ethnic studies in grades 9-12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD1DD10RtIw 4. Teach Ethnic Studies: Use the Empowered Social Justice framework and resources to teach ethnic studies in grades 9-12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghES0tnAWuA Download the free Empowered Social Justice Resources and learn more: https://tinyurl.com/DrLeeESJR Play Video Play Video 01:08:11 1. Ideological Subversion: Empowered Social Justice Resources Video Series about the Empowered Social Justice Resources: 1. Ideological Subversion: Increase your understanding of the process of ideological subversion in social justice education. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucjhIilHoYw 2. Guiding Principles: Infuse the Empowered Social Justice Guiding Principles into social justice teaching and learning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtRG3iPK8Dg 3. Standards and Resources: Use the Empowered Social Justice framework and resources to teach ethnic studies in grades 9-12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rD1DD10RtIw 4. Teach Ethnic Studies: Use the Empowered Social Justice framework and resources to teach ethnic studies in grades 9-12. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghES0tnAWuA Download the free Empowered Social Justice Resources and learn more: https://tinyurl.com/DrLeeESJR LATEST PEERK12 ARTICLES ON ETHNIC STUDIES 1 2 frequently asked questions about ethnic studies What is ethnic studies, and how is it different from multicultural education? ETHNIC STUDIES: "Ethnic studies is the interdisciplinary study that centers Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders, Chicanx/Latinx, American Indians/Native Americans, and Africana/Black/African Americans who have experienced, survived, and resisted settler colonialism, racism, and hegemonic systems of oppression. Using ethnic studies epistemology, content and pedagogy, ethnic studies aims to educate students to be socially, politically, and economically conscious of their personal connections to local and (trans)national histories. Students study topics through the intersectional lenses of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexuality, ability, language, immigrant status, and class. They analyze indigeneity, white supremacy, oppression, privilege, and decolonization, and work toward empowering themselves as anti-racist leaders in social justice activism." MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION: As established in California SB 48 — includes the contributions of all ethnic, religious, LGBTQ+, and disabled communities to California and U.S. history. What does AB 101 entail? AB 101, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021, mandates a one-semester ethnic studies course for high school graduation starting with the class of 2030. High schools must offer this course beginning in the 2025–26 school year. However, this requirement is contingent on state funding, which has not yet been allocated, rendering the mandate inactive for now. Is ethnic studies currently a graduation mandate in California? No - not yet: AB 101 (2021) says schools must offer an ethnic studies course by 2025–26 . It becomes a graduation requirement for the class of 2029–30 —but only if the state funds implementation. As of now, it is unfunded . This means the mandate is not active , yet many districts are already implementing courses anyway, often with little public transparency. LAST UPDATED: April 2025 What are the legal requirements for ethnic studies courses? Ethnic studies courses must not promote bias, bigotry, or discrimination, must be appropriate for all students, and cannot include or promote religious doctrine. These requirements are outlined in Education Code §51225.3(a)(1)(G). Do schools have to use the state’s model ethnic studies curriculum? No. Districts can choose from four options: A course based on the state’s model curriculum . An existing ethnic studies course . An A–G approved ethnic studies course (meeting UC/CSU requirements). A locally developed course , approved by the school board at a public meeting. However, any course used must have ethnic studies as its primary content and comply with anti-bias laws; and: By law, ethnic studies courses: Must not promote bias, bigotry, or discrimination . Must be appropriate for students of all backgrounds . Cannot include or promote religious doctrine . These rules are outlined in Education Code §51225.3(a)(1)(G) . Why is there so much concern about antisemitism in ethnic studies? Hundreds of incidents and lawsuits have documented antisemitic content or behavior in ethnic studies programs. Jewish and Israeli-American students have been excluded or vilified in some lessons. After October 7, 2023, many of the leading PhD experts in ethnic studies glorified Hamas and minimized Jewish perspectives. In Oakland, more than 30 Jewish families had to transfer their children out of the public school district due to the hostile and dangerous environment that ethnic studies had created inside classrooms. In May 2024, the Congressional House Ed & Workforce Committee held a hearing to investigate the rise of antisemitism in K-12 and found a direct link to Ethnic Studies as one of the root causes. The 2024 California Commission on the State of Hate found that these issues are widespread and unmonitored . In April 2025, the California Department of Education completed an investigation into the Campbell Unified School District and concluded that their ethnic studies program DID violate the civil rights of Jewish students. What does the new ethnic studies bill in California - AB 1468 - propose to do? AB 1468 (2025) would create official content standards , curriculum frameworks, and state compliance monitoring for ethnic studies by 2028. It adds: A mandatory advisory committee made up mostly of scholars in the four “core” disciplines. A statewide mandate for districts to submit all ethnic studies curricula to the state by June 30, 2026 — before standards are adopted. A new role for the CA Dept. of Ed to monitor compliance , but without clear mechanisms for enforcement. Why is AB 1468 considered risky? AB 1468 is considered risky because it centralizes power in a narrow advisory committee, imposes bureaucratic mandates without clear standards, and locks in a specific ideological approach. It excludes groups like Jews, Armenians, and religious minorities, adds rules without enforcement, and could make ethnic studies a requirement for UC and CSU admissions. Who decides what gets taught in ethnic studies classes? Currently, local school boards approve the curriculum—but there are no specific guidelines in place, outside of the guardrails in AB101 - added to ensure school districts would not include any of the removed bigoted, antisemitic, and biased content that previously made the model curriculum unusable. Dozens of lawsuits sprang up across California as school districts failed to implement any of the guardrails or protections, especially around the Jewish American experience and the Israel-Palestinian Wars. Doesn’t California already require inclusive and diverse education? Yes. SB 48 (2011) requires inclusive instruction on the contributions of all cultural groups, including LGBTQ+, religious, and disabled people. Ed Code § 51204.5 and § 60040 mandate inclusive and bias-free materials. These laws already allow multicultural education without ethnic studies-specific mandates . Is there effective oversight for ethnic studies courses? No, there is no effective oversight. While AB 101 prohibits bias and discrimination, there is no enforcement mechanism. The State Board of Education does not vet local curricula unless districts adopt the state model. The Attorney General’s 2024 legal alert reiterates anti-bias obligations but admits no active enforcement. Ethnic studies remains largely unregulated, with unvetted and often divisive materials being introduced into classrooms. Submit a Question on Ethnic Studies Didn't find the answer you were looking for? Submit your question here and we will get back to you - and potentially add your question to our FAQ's to help others better understand this issue as well. First name* Last name Email* Submit Your Question* Submit

Curated and recommended resources for K-12 to celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month. jewish american heritage month Jewish American Heritage Month, celebrated in May, is an opportunity to learn about the history, contributions, and experiences of Jewish Americans. Below is a curated list of unbiased, educational resources appropriate for students in grades K-12 that highlight Jewish American history, culture, and contributions. These resources offer a broad and balanced view of Jewish American history, culture, and contributions, suitable for all grade levels. Whether through books, websites, or multimedia resources, these materials ensure a respectful and comprehensive exploration of Jewish American heritage during Jewish American Heritage Month. Jewish American Heritage Month – Official Website This website provides resources, events, and information to help educators and students explore the history of Jewish Americans. Jews in America, the Civil Rights Moveme... Play Video Play Video 07:59 The History of Jewish Life in America Jews have lived in the United States since 1654 — before the states were even united — when twenty-three Sephardic settlers fled to New Amsterdam. Today, the Jewish population of America stands at 7.5 million. Overcoming brutal sweatshop conditions, assimilationist pressure, antisemitic regulations and even lynchings, American Jews have helped positively shift the country’s politics and economics. Though they weren’t always welcomed with open arms, and despite the challenges they have faced over time, American Jews have flourished in what is now home to the world’s second largest community of Jews. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:37 Jews during the American Colonial Era 01:37 General Ulysses S. Grant and Antisemitism 02:04 Jewish success in the mid-1800s 02:26 Russian Jewish immigration and textile industry sweatshops 03:19 Jewish involvement in the working class struggle 03:53 Redefining Jewish identity and changing Jewish rituals 04:18 The American Reform Movement 04:39 The Pittsburgh Platform and Conservative Judaism 05:16 Antisemitism in America 05:40 False conviction and lynching of Leo Frank 06:02 The Johnson-Reed Act Jewish immigration quotas 06:56 Jewish activism and success 07:24 American Jewish representation today 07:43 Outro Subscribe and turn on your notifications so you don’t miss future uploads! https://www.youtube.com/UNPACKED?sub_confirmation=1 Recommended video—Who are the Jewish US Supreme Court Justices? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR6D3cejcls&list=PL-DNOnmKkUaZrTGuvoIJFOgn4nr375SR_&index=25 We have merch! – http://shop.Unpacked.media/?utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=video-description&utm_campaign=merch Let’s connect: Website — https://www.Unpacked.media Instagram — /unpackedmedia Twitter — /unpackedmedia TikTok — /unpackedmedia Facebook — /unpackedmedia ----------- Co-Executive Producers: - Melinda Goldrich - Shmuel Katz Gold Level: - Goldrich Family Foundation ----------- Image and footage credits: – Ajay Suresh – T’ruah – Israel GPO-Fritz Cohen – German Fuentes pavez – eHillel – Temple Emanu-El NYC – Kasala Productions – Justin Kroger – Allison Graham ----------- About The Jewish Story: Understand three thousand years of Jewish history in these short videos based on the book Letters to Auntie Fori: The 5,000-Year History of the Jewish People and Their Faith by the renowned historian Sir Martin Gilbert. Learn the Jewish story from the ancient Israelites of the Bible to Hellenization, the Jews of the Middle Ages to modern day, and more. About Unpacked: We provide nuanced insights by unpacking all things Jewish. People are complex and complicated — yet we’re constantly being pushed to oversimplify our world. At Unpacked we know that being complex makes us more interesting. Because of this, we break the world down with nuance and insight to drive your curiosity and challenge your thinking. #AmericanJews #jewish #antisemitism Play Video Play Video 06:32 Is the book of Exodus the story of America? New channel alert https://youtube.com/@todayunpacked The ancient Jewish Exodus from Egypt began the formative nation-building epoch of the Jewish people. The experience is so renowned that it continues to reverberate in freedom struggles across the globe. Long before the colonies united to form the United States of America, and ever since, the Exodus story has been a touchstone for American intellectual, religious and social thought, influencing everything from the White House to best-selling books, the fight for the abolition of slavery to the filming of Hollywood mega-hits. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:46 The Exodus from Egypt 01:03 Colonial Era references to the Exodus and Pharoah 02:27 American political leader references to Moses 03:10 Black slavery and civil rights references to Jewish slavery and the Exodus 05:23 American cultural and social references to the Exodus story 06:30 Outro Subscribe and turn on your notifications so you don’t miss future uploads! https://www.youtube.com/UNPACKED?sub_confirmation=1 Recommended video—Moses and the Exodus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBdWaMBYZJM&list=PL-DNOnmKkUaYVJIFmU_RBihx8wezolzqL&index=3 We have merch! – http://shop.Unpacked.media/?utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=video-description&utm_campaign=merch Let’s connect: Website — https://www.Unpacked.media Instagram — /unpackedmedia Twitter — /unpackedmedia TikTok — /unpackedmedia Facebook — /unpackedmedia ----------- Executive Producers: — Mitch Julis Gold Level: — The Julis Romo Rabinowitz Family Silver Level: — Sharon and Elie Gindi Foundation — Simms-Mann Family Foundation Bronze Level: — Dot & Basil Haymann — Amy & Harlan Korenvaes ----------- Image and footage credits: National Archives and Records Administration Library of Congress Paramount Bristol Museum and Art Gallery Storyblocks Artgrid Prelinger Archives Sapphire Films National Portrait Gallery MGM / Technicolor / Colorcraft Royal Collection United Artists Hollywood Reporter-Billboard Media Group National Gallery of Art Massachusetts Historical Society U.S. Diplomacy Center John Carter Brown Library The Jewish Museum National Museum Liverpool Cincinatti Art Museum Lucasfilm Ltd Encyclopedia Britannica Films Pixabay The Illustrated London News Army Pictorial Center Mead Art Museum Smithsonian UCLA Film & Television Archive's Hearst Metrotone News Collection Newspapers.com: The Gazette and Daily The White House U.S. Congress C-Span Lockheed Aircraft Corporation ----------- This video is from the series Restoring the American Story, co-produced with Yeshiva University’s Straus Center. It explores the timelessness of Torah values and how they influenced the fabric of American ideology and its moral foundation. These videos take a closer look at how Jewish principles have inspired the U.S. founding fathers, key historical figures and modern day leaders, leading to the relevancy of Torah values today. About Unpacked: We provide nuanced insights by unpacking all things Jewish. People are complex and complicated — yet we’re constantly being pushed to oversimplify our world. At Unpacked we know that being complex makes us more interesting. Because of this, we break the world down with nuance and insight to drive your curiosity and challenge your thinking. #Exodus #passover #americanhistory Play Video Play Video 06:24 Esther in America Queen Esther might be a costume of choice on Purim for young Jewish children around the world, but she is also known for inspiring America and its citizens for hundreds of years. In fact, the presence of her name is revealed when examining episodes in American history ranging from colonists rebelling against England to New York City’s most recently elected mayor. Indeed, the story of Queen Esther – the heroine of the Purim story – continues to provide motivation and joy to people of all stripes and ages around the globe. Play Video Play Video 09:51 How did a Sephardic Jew Save the American Revolution? Haym Salomon, a Sephardic Jew from Poland, is the largely unknown benefactor of the American Revolution. Immigrating to the American colonies just before the outbreak of the War of Independence, Salomon used his unique business and language talents to outwit British forces several times, and used his brokerage business to fund the final Battle of Yorktown. But the American Revolution was not the only cause he believed in; Salomon also left behind a legacy of building and strengthening the Jewish community in the newly formed United States of America Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:35 Haym Salomon’s origins 01:04 Lead up to the American Revolution 01:31 Jews in the American colonies 02:39 Siding with revolutionaries fighting for liberty 03:25 Financing the rebel army 03:45 Arrest for espionage 04:02 Interpreter for the British 04:30 Helping rebels escape British custody 04:45 Escape from death sentence 05:16 Launching a brokerage firm 06:40 George Washington sends for Salomon 06:58 Funding the Battle of Yorktown 07:19 Financing the new American government 07:41 Advancing the Jewish American community 08:19 Death and debt of Haym Salomon 08:53 Other Jews in the American Revolution Subscribe and turn on your notifications so you don’t miss future uploads! https://www.youtube.com/UNPACKED?sub_confirmation=1 Recommended video—Were Jews Responsible For Bringing Down The USSR? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-MfbDGEUx0&list=PL-DNOnmKkUaa6YEEEhDmTnLlWKc5a3TYH&index=11&t=8s&pp=gAQBiAQB We have merch! – http://shop.Unpacked.media/?utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=video-description&utm_campaign=merch Let’s connect: Website — https://www.Unpacked.media Instagram — /unpackedmedia Twitter — /unpackedmedia TikTok — /unpackedmedia Facebook — /unpackedmedia ----------- Image and footage credits: Bruce Anderson Beyond My Ken https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:GNU_Free_Documentation_License,_version_1.2 The Patriot Titanic Gangs of New York Hamilton Guardians of the Galaxy Battling Butler The New World Sons of Liberty John Paul Jones John Adams History of the World Part 1 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat The Three Stooges Trading Places Jerry McGuire Ace Ventura 2 When Nature Calls The Big Bang Theory Oceans Eleven ----------- Executive Producer: — Barry Skolnick Co-Executive Producer: — Shmuel Katz ----------- About Explainers: From ancient Jewish traditions to the modern State of Israel, we explain it all. Diving into anything and everything related to Jewish culture, history, and even religion. Understand Jewish holidays, Israeli politics, Jewish diasporic communities, and more. Learn about Judaism in pop culture, debunking myths about Jews, and explore obscure Israeli landmarks. We’re asking questions as basic as “What is the Talmud?”, and as obscure as “How did hip-hop boost Kosher wine sales?”, and everything in between. About Unpacked: We provide nuanced insights by unpacking all things Jewish. People are complex and complicated — yet we’re constantly being pushed to oversimplify our world. At Unpacked we know that being complex makes us more interesting. Because of this, we break the world down with nuance and insight to drive your curiosity and challenge your thinking. #Jewish #history #4thofjuly #americanrevolution Play Video Play Video 07:49 A Jewish American Tale | The Jewish Story | Unpacked Jewish life in early 20th century America meant a constant question of identity. At a time when being an immigrant was far from celebrated, young Jews worked to free themselves from the “old country” traditions of their immigrant parents. This all came to a head when the world witnessed the horrors of the Holocaust. Suddenly, progressive American Jews needed to decide what was more important: their American values or the suffering of fellow Jews across the world. As Jews learned to balance the American dream with traditional Jewish values, a rich cultural diversity began to develop which has led to the great impact Jews have had on the United States until today. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:36 Russian Jewish immigration 01:07 The Johnson Reed Act and Jewish immigration quotas 01:52 Native born Jewish Americans 02:38 Education - opportunity and assimilation 03:00 Rejection of Jewish identity and Jewish middle class 03:23 "Cultural" judaism 03:41 Housing covenants, university quotas, country club bans 04:22 Jewish parallel institutions 04:50 Nazi Germany and American Jewish communities 05:40 US government's resistance to helping European Jewry 06:10 American society opens up to Jews 06:30 American Jews strengthen Jewish identity 07:01 Diverse hybrid Jewish and American identity 07:34 Outro Subscribe and turn on your notifications so you don’t miss future uploads! https://www.youtube.com/UNPACKED?sub_confirmation=1 Recommended video— The History of Jewish Life in America https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDZHNuS2L3o&list=PL-DNOnmKkUaa6YEEEhDmTnLlWKc5a3TYH&index=4 We have merch! – http://shop.Unpacked.media/?utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=video-description&utm_campaign=merch Let’s connect: Website — https://www.Unpacked.media Instagram — /unpackedmedia Twitter — /unpackedmedia TikTok — /unpackedmedia Facebook — /unpackedmedia ----------- Co-Executive Producers: - Melinda Goldrich - Shmuel Katz Gold Level: - Goldrich Family Foundation ----------- Image and footage credits: eHillel Matt Gunther Isaac Leicht ISU Library. SCUA. AV Collection. Jonathan McIntosh John Phelan USHMM Yad VaShem ----------- About The Jewish Story: Understand three thousand years of Jewish history in these short videos based on the book Letters to Auntie Fori: The 5,000-Year History of the Jewish People and Their Faith by the renowned historian Sir Martin Gilbert. Learn the Jewish story from the ancient Israelites of the Bible to Hellenization, the Jews of the Middle Ages to modern day, and more. About Unpacked: We provide nuanced insights by unpacking all things Jewish. People are complex and complicated — yet we’re constantly being pushed to oversimplify our world. At Unpacked we know that being complex makes us more interesting. Because of this, we break the world down with nuance and insight to drive your curiosity and challenge your thinking. #americanjews #americandream #ww2 Play Video Play Video 10:23 Can Americans Be Patriots and Zionists? The Louis Brandeis Story | Great Jewish Heroes | Unpacked The first Jewish U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Louis Brandeis, was born in 1865 in Louisville, Kentucky to Jewish German immigrants. Brandeis grew up assimilated into American life and knew more about his German roots than his Jewish ones. Graduating first in his class from Harvard Law at the age of 20, Brandeis worked as a lawyer and was a leading reformer, fighting against poverty and injustice and defending equality and workers’ rights. While defending Jewish workers, Brandeis connected with his own Jewish heritage. Upon learning about Theodor Herzl’s call for a Jewish state in response to antisemitism and assimilation, Brandeis began to rally Jewish Americans around Zionism and support for Israel. Though asked to lead the American Zionist Movement, Brandeis instead chose to be an advocate for Zionism and American Jews by becoming a supreme court justice and remained a vocal supporter of Jewish dual loyalty. Chapters 00:00 Intro 00:39 Downplaying Jewish identity in America 01:36 Brandeis saw no contradiction 01:58 Brandeis' youth 01:25 Progressivism 02:48 Reformer 03:34 Theodor Herzl 04:06 Resonance with the Zionist Movement 04:41 Proud American and vocal proponent for the Jewish state 05:11 Woodrow Wilson's rejection of Jewish nationalism 05:53 The outbreak of WW1 06:11 The Federation of American Zionists 07:26 Brandeis and the American Zionist Movement 08:54 Jewish pride and American pride 10:08 Outro Subscribe and turn on your notifications so you don’t miss future uploads! https://www.youtube.com/UNPACKED?sub_confirmation=1 Recommended video— Repairing the World: is Tikkun Olam Jewish?? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cf4GkbuiHnA&list=PL-DNOnmKkUaazY2E0ifs-L73CoLZ4mMjb&index=1 We have merch! – http://shop.Unpacked.media/?utm_medium=youtube&utm_source=video-description&utm_campaign=merch Let’s connect: Website — https://www.Unpacked.media Instagram — /unpackedmedia Twitter — /unpackedmedia TikTok — /unpackedmedia Facebook — /unpackedmedia ----------- Executive Producers: Michael Maling Adam Milstein Barry Skolnick Co-Executive Producers Russell Greenberg Gloria Kaylie Andy Lappin Gold Level: Koum Family Foundation Robyn & Russell Greenberg Harvey & Gloria Kaylie Foundation Crain-Maling Foundation Adam and Gila Milstein Family Foundation Skolnick Family Charitable Trust Bronze Level: Susan & Marc Sacks Meryl & Sam Solomon ----------- Image and footage credits: Center for Jewish Life/American Jewish Historical Society/Hadassah Archives Central Zionist Archive Ein Hashofet Archives Robert D. Farber University Archives & Special Collections Department at Brandeis University/Louis D. Brandeis: An Inspiring Life Florida State Archives Harvard Historical and Special Collections Israel Government Press Office Franz Jantzen/Supreme Court of the United States Laura Kneedler Library of Congress David Matlow Herzl Collection Spielberg Archive StoryBlocks Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life ----------- About Unpacked: We provide nuanced insights by unpacking all things Jewish. People are complex and complicated — yet we’re constantly being pushed to oversimplify our world. At Unpacked we know that being complex makes us more interesting. Because of this, we break the world down with nuance and insight to drive your curiosity and challenge your thinking. #Supremecourt #LouisBrandeis #Jewish Load More JAHM RESOURCES FROM OUR trusted partners The Jewish Americans: A PBS Series by David Grubin The set of lesson plans that draws from the PBS series,THE JEWISH AMERICANS, explores immigration, identity, contribution, assimilation, discrimination, change, and confrontation. The plans may be used for a deeper examination of the ways Jewish life fits into U.S. history. The set may also frame comparative research of non-Jewish immigrant experiences. Available Lesson Plans: Who Are You? Lesson Two: A Living Tree The Best of Times, The Worst of Times Talk Show The National Jewish Welfare Board (JWB) This website is a valuable resource for exploring Jewish contributions to American life, including notable Jewish American figures, historical timelines, and stories from Jewish American communities. Jews in Early America: From Inquisition to Freedom Touro Synagogue History; George Washington Letter; Religious Liberty in America; Jews in Early America; Jewish Burial Ground k-5th grades Free Professional Development for educators and materials in preparation for Jewish American Heritage Month (K-5), including l esson plans, teaching ideas, reading lists and more resources. The Jewish Museum – Educational Resources for Kids This museum offers interactive online activities and educational materials about Jewish culture and traditions, designed for younger audiences. BOOKS "The Keeping Quilt” by Patricia Polacco Book Summary: This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of a Jewish family’s heritage through the creation of a quilt, passed down through generations. It highlights family traditions, Jewish identity, and immigrant experiences. “The Passover Story” by David A. Adler Book Summary: A simple and engaging retelling of the Passover story, perfect for elementary school students. It introduces key Jewish traditions and holidays in an accessible way. 6-8th grades Library of Congress: Jewish American Heritage Month – Education Resources The Library of Congress provides online exhibits and educational materials, such as articles and images, which explore the history of Jewish Americans and their impact on American society. Facing History and Ourselves – Jewish American History Resources Facing History offers lesson plans, videos, and primary sources to explore the contributions of Jewish Americans in various aspects of society, including civil rights, politics, and the arts. BOOKS “The Story of the Jews: Finding the Words 1000 BCE – 1492 CE” by Simon Schama Book Summary: This engaging book is part of a broader series that explores Jewish history and culture. While it spans more than just American history, its accessible narrative helps middle schoolers understand the broader context of Jewish identity and contributions, including in the U.S. “The Orphan’s Tale” by Pam Jenoff Book Summary: Set during World War II, this novel explores Jewish history and culture through the lives of two women, one Jewish and one non-Jewish, in a traveling circus. This is an appropriate read for middle schoolers with some background in Jewish history. 9-12th grades Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History (NMAJH) Educational Resources The NMAJH provides a wealth of resources for high school students, including online exhibits, educational videos, and collections related to the Jewish American experience. Topics include immigration, civil rights, and the role of Jewish Americans in shaping U.S. history PBS – "The Jewish Americans" (Documentary) This three-part PBS documentary offers a rich history of Jewish Americans, tracing their experiences from the early colonial days to the present. It’s an excellent resource for high school students to understand how Jewish Americans have shaped and been shaped by American history. Jewish Virtual Library – “Jewish American History” The Jewish Virtual Library provides a comprehensive collection of articles, essays, and resources covering Jewish American history from early immigration to modern contributions in politics, science, and culture. The Holocaust Education & Archive Research Team (HEART) While HEART focuses primarily on Holocaust education, it also includes relevant information about Jewish American history and the post-Holocaust Jewish experience in the United States BOOKS “The Jewish Americans: A History in 3 Acts” by David M. Rubenstein Book Summary: This comprehensive book chronicles the experience of Jewish Americans from colonial times to the present. It highlights their contributions to American culture, politics, and society. It’s appropriate for high school students studying U.S. history and Jewish culture. “The Rise of David Levinsky” by Abraham Cahan Book Summary: This 1917 novel is one of the first American works to explore the life of Jewish immigrants in the U.S. It’s a powerful look at the challenges and aspirations of Jewish Americans during the early 20th century. MUSEUMS Library of Congress Jewish American Heritage Month: A Commemorative Observances Legal Research Guide The National Jewish Museum’s Virtual Jewish American History Month Resources: NMAJH Virtual Exhibits The National Museum of American Jewish History offers virtual exhibits and interactive tools that provide insight into Jewish American history. Their educational programs and exhibits are designed for both students and educators. National Archives Jewish American Heritage Month Smithsonian Jewish American Heritage Month American Library Association Jewish American Heritage Month PRINTABLE 60 PRINTABLE POSTERS OF JEWISH-AMERICAN HEROES GOOGLE ARTS & CULTURE JEWISH AMERICAN HISTORY This interactive site offers virtual exhibits, videos, and immersive experiences that explore Jewish American culture and contributions. It’s suitable for learners of all ages and can be used as a supplement to classroom lessons. CURRICULUM The Trevor Project Exploring Identity for Jewish American Heritage Month San Diego County Office of Education Guide to Observing Jewish American Heritage Month Institute for Curriculum Services New York City Public Schools Jewish American Heritage Month

Our recommendations for podcasts and books that will help you learn more about the issues we are facing in American education. Podcasts, Webinars & Books We Recommend BACK TO NEWSROOM RESOURCES NEWS ARTICLES podcasts blog PeerK12 Webinars & Podcasts PeerK12 Webinars & Podcasts Play Video Share Whole Channel This Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Link Copied Search videos Search video... Now Playing California’s Antisemitism Bill Explained plus Hostages Release Breaking News 01:27:11 Play Video Now Playing PeerK12 Advocacy after October 7th w/ Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi [Part 2] 01:59:20 Play Video Now Playing PeerK12 Moms Fight for Jewish Civil Rights w/ Nicole Bernstein & Tamar Caspi [Ep 5 Part 1] 01:50:26 Play Video Now Playing Ethnic Studies Live Webinar 9 4 25 01:55:31 Play Video recommended podcasts The podcasts below are some of our favorites and discuss multiple aspects of the situation we're all facing at the crossroads between Jewish life, Israel, and the American K-12 ecosystem. Conversations presented below are meant to help you learn about the various perspectives, policies, and challenges that we face in our mission to rid the K-12 environment of all institutionalized Jew-hatred and help protect all students, parents, teachers, administrators and communities from the dangers of indoctrination in K-12. Adventures with Dead Jews Dara Horn LISTEN Dara Horn guides listeners through the outsized role that dead Jews play in other people’s imaginations— and sometimes still play in ours. With strange, dark, hilarious, and fascinating stories, listeners are guided through some of the strangest corners of Jewish history, exploring how the popular mania for dead Jews warps our understanding of both past and present. Breaking History Eli Lake LISTEN Sometimes the news moves so fast, you have to look closely to know if you’ve seen it before. And that’s what this show is about. Breaking History breaks down the news, by breaking down history. George Santayana wrote, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Tune in to Breaking History to resist the repetition. Here I Am Shai Davidai LISTEN Here I Am with Shai Davidai explores the rising tide of anti-semitism through discussions with the top Jewish voices in this ongoing battle. In Doctrine Nation Josh Weiner LISTEN The podcast hosted by Josh Weiner airs bi-weekly and shares the stories of students, parents and educators to shed light on what's happening in K-12 education. Re-Education Eli Lake LISTEN On the Re-Education, Eli Lake challenges common narratives the mainstream media and others push. From comedy to collusion, and disinformation to disarray, Eli unpacks what you know—or think you know—about the world around you. We Should All Be Zionists Einat Wilf & Blake Flayton LISTEN Dr. Einat Wilf and columnist Blake Flayton discuss the themes of each essay from Dr. Wilf's collection and how they apply to Israel and contemporary Jewish life. Listen for insightful conversation on politics, conflict, peace, religion, revolution, past, present , and future. Ask Haviv Anything Haviv Rettig Gur LISTEN A podcast that focuses on what you want to learn and discuss. Nothing is off limits... big and painful things, and also beautiful and fascinating things, wars and identities and painful history. And also more light-hearted things. Humor matters, especially when facing tough subjects. Call Me Back Dan Senor LISTEN Presenting the challenges and dilemmas facing Israelis to a global audience. I'm That Eitan Chitayat LISTEN Whether through work or at play, I've had the good fortune of meeting some pretty prolific people. On 'I'm That', we have a chat about who they are, what they do, and why. It may be deep. Profound. Funny. Many times, all of the above. But it's always honest. New Discourses James Lindsay LISTEN Pursuing the light of objective truth in subjective darkness. The American-Israeli Podcast Dillon Hosier LISTEN The Israeli-American Podcast explores the intersection of American and Israeli perspectives on policy, identity, and civic action. Hosted by leaders from both communities, the show features timely conversations on issues like antisemitism, the U.S.–Israel alliance, Holocaust education, and more. Grounded in ICAN’s mission, each episode delivers engaging dialogue that informs, inspires, and empowers listeners to take action. BOOKS WE recommendeD READ READ READ READ READ READ READ

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Members fear a resolution vote next week could encourage teachers to portray Israel as “a colonizing country committing genocide.” < Back Israel-Bashing on the Agenda for National Teachers Union Members fear a resolution vote next week could encourage teachers to portray Israel as “a colonizing country committing genocide.” A series of anti-Israel resolutions proposed by members of the second biggest teachers union in America has other members in revolt, saying they target Jews and “libel the Jewish state.” The resolutions before the American Federation of Teachers include calls to “halt U.S. military aid to Israel” and to “stop enabling genocide,” and include praise of pro-Palestinian protesters who faced “state-sanctioned violence.” They accuse the Jewish state of “apartheid” and “genocide,” and criticize Israel for “scholasticide,” a term referencing the destruction of schools in Gaza. One resolution calls for the AFT to divest from the Jewish state by pulling member pensions out of companies with even tangential connections to Israel—such as Boeing and Palantir. Of the eight proposed resolutions that mention Israel, only one advocates for a “two-state solution” and the “safe return of Hamas’s hostages.” The union, which represents 1.7 million members, will vote on the resolutions at its annual convention, which begins in Houston on July 22. Now, a group of members is circulating an anonymous letter, hoping to convince union leaders to drop the inflammatory resolutions and “avoid the public stain of antisemitism.” Anti-Israel resolutions from members of a teachers union are mostly symbolic and, if approved, won’t have any impact on Israel’s policy in Gaza or the West Bank. But what’s alarming is the extent to which they reflect the mindset of some teachers, said Tova Plaut, an AFT member and Jewish educator in New York City. Plaut fears the resolutions would have a spillover effect, encouraging teachers to portray “Israel as a colonizing country that is committing genocide against the Palestinian people.” And she added the resolutions send a signal: “It’s telling their members this is what we want you to teach about.” As Robert Pondiscio reported for The Free Press in June, this is already a problem in U.S. public schools. According to an Anti-Defamation League complaint, teachers in Fort Lee High School in New Jersey tell students that the terrorist group Hamas is a peaceful “resistance movement,” while teachers in Berkeley, California, “indoctrinat[e] students with antisemitic tropes.” AFT President Randi Weingarten told The Free Press that the union has already “condemned antisemitism and Islamophobia and clearly established our values on this issue,” citing a resolution passed by the AFT’s executive council in January. She also defended union members’ rights to propose any resolution to be voted upon. “In a democratic union, members have the right to propose any resolution they like—and I will be advocating at the convention to uphold our position,” she said. Though Weingarten does not vote as president of the union, when asked if she would support or oppose the resolutions, her spokesperson said she would back a resolution that calls for a “two-state solution” but did not comment on the others. Amy Leserman, an educator and AFT member from Los Angeles, said the resolutions have nothing to do with the AFT’s mission, whose purpose, she continued, is to advocate on behalf of teachers and the quality of their workplace. “We are not international politicians,” she said. “And there is no foreign government that has any interest in what the teachers union or any labor union has to say about how they should function. . . . So the entire purpose behind these motions and these resolutions is that they generate a hostile teaching environment and learning environment for students.” Previous Next

< Back Previous Next Parents want to 'collaborate' over new ethnic studies course “The room was divided, almost as if you had two opposing sides,” said Nicole Bernstein, a concerned parent and co-founder of PeerK12. Ava Kershner Sep 14, 2024 A meeting grew tense Thursday night as the San Dieguito Union High School District took in feedback on the new Ethnic Studies unit being implemented next year across the state. “The room was divided, almost as if you had two opposing sides,” said Nicole Bernstein, a concerned parent and co-founder of PeerK12. But not every parent wants their kids in the course just yet, saying this year’s pilot program of the class seems to focus on the negative events certain ethnic groups went through- rather than positive. “Ethnic studies is supposed to bring us together, not rip us apart,” said Bernstein. The reason this course is getting a test run now is because a California state law is requiring the unit for all students- starting with the graduating class of 2029-2030. The State Board of Education is guiding the design of the course, but 10News was told teachers and the community will have a say as well. “And I feel like we're not being included in the way that we would want, which is simply as partners, we're parents, they're the educators, let us collaborate together,” said Bernstein. The County Office of Education will be giving teachers training on how to pilot these units as soon as next week. Teachers will then try out the first unit of the course and return with feedback. Feedback that parents want to add in as well- however, big changes in the actual curriculum may not be made due to demands from the state. “I encourage the parents who wanted a delay, I want to remind them that, their engagement, it's not over. So the input has to be evaluated through the lens of can that input be incorporated and we still comply with the requirements of ethnic studies,” said Rimga Viskanta, SDUHSD Board of Trustees President. The next community engagement night for SDUHSD where you can give your feedback on the ethnic studies course, will be Sept 17 at Earl Warren Middle School at 5:30 p.m.

< Back Previous Next San Dieguito board passes resolutions denouncing antisemitism, discrimination On Nov. 18, the San Dieguito Union High School District passed a resolution addressing antisemitism and affirming the value of Jewish students, faculty, staff, and families. Karen Billings Nov 18, 2021 On Nov. 18, the San Dieguito Union High School District passed a resolution addressing antisemitism and affirming the value of Jewish students, faculty, staff, and families. The resolution denounced the rise in antisemitic rhetoric and hate-motivated crimes and incidents that denigrate members of the Jewish community served by San Dieguito. A second resolution affirmed the protection of students against discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying, aiming to make changes in district procedures that could help identify and address acts of discrimination. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2021/11/23/san-dieguito-board-passes-resolutions-denouncing-antisemitism-discrimination-4/

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< Back Previous Next SWC Commends Jewish Community Parents Proposed Resolution Passed by San Diego Unified School District to include Anti-Semitism in its Ethnic Studies Curriculum Staff Oct 27, 2021 The Simon Wiesenthal Center applauds the San Diego Unified School District’s unanimous approval of a resolution which updates its ethnic studies curriculum to include anti-Semitism. The resolution, which was passed during a board meeting on Tuesday night, urged that anti-Semitism be included in all ethnic studies education in its efforts to educate students about equity and inclusiveness. The decision comes on the heels of a recent rise in anti-Semitism and multiple incidents on campuses across San Diego. “We applaud this important victory that took place in San Diego but has national implications. All of the credit for this breakthrough resolution goes to local Jewish parents who drew a line against demonizing Israel and the inevitable bullying of Jewish students and teachers in San Diego schools who love Israel and are proud of their heritage. Read more: https://www.wiesenthal.com/about/news/wc-commends-jewish-community.html

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< Back Previous Next How a photo of Hitler in a 7th-grade classroom sparked a debate over antisemitism and school oversight Parents and Jewish community members say a teacher’s inclusion of the photo in a classroom display shows the need for ‘real education’ on antisemitism. Kristen Taketa Oct 23, 2022 A group held a protest before San Dieguito’s most recent board meeting last week. The protesters said they were upset that the board had placed a discussion-only item — not an action item — about the incident at the end of its agenda. The meeting ended up lasting six hours, until 11 p.m. Read more: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2022/10/23/how-a-photo-of-hitler-in-a-7th-grade-classroom-sparked-a-debate-over-antisemitism-and-school-oversight/

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< Back Previous Next Ethnic studies in K-12 Lessons learned and a roadmap for protecting the rights of Jewish students and teachers Staff Jul 9, 2024 A big thank you to the PeerK12 team (Nicole Bernstein, Tamar Caspi and Eveie Schwartz) for sharing their research, insight and practical experience confronting the individuals, organizations and ideologies that are either contributing to or actively promoting systemic anti-Jewish hate in K-12 schools. We also want to thank everyone who attended the webinar and contributed great questions to the discussion. PeerK12 is a San Diego-based, grassroots, non-profit that works across public, charter and private schools to champion the rights of Jewish students and teachers. They've been at it for several years and have learned a lot along the way. Their approach, detailed in the video below, provides a pragmatic model for parents and community leaders to follow. Read more: https://www.stophateinschools.org/ethnic-studies-in-california-lessons-learned

< Back Previous Next San Diego School District Commits to ‘Fighting Antisemitism,’ Citing Rise in Hate Crimes The San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) adopted a resolution Tuesday denouncing antisemitism and promoting education about the Holocaust, citing a rise in recent years in anti-Jewish harassment on its campuses. Dion J. Pierre Oct 27, 2021 “The Board of Education denounces the rise in antisemitic rhetoric and hate-motivated crimes and incidents that denigrate Jewish students and staff in the communities served by SDUSD,” said the resolution, passed at Tuesday night’s board meeting. It also “affirms the rights” of Jewish students, staff and families to work to revise school materials “to ensure they are inclusive and reflective of best practices and the full diversity of Jewish people including those in California and San Diego.” The second largest district in the state, SDUSD serves over 120,000 students from pre-school through 12th grade. Read more: https://www.algemeiner.com/2021/10/27/san-diego-school-district-commits-to-fighting-antisemitism-after-debate-citing-rise-in-hate-crimes/

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< Back Previous Next BVH experiences hate speech, SUHSD responds with resolution The anti-Semitic post created by students and directed towards IB Environmental Systems and Societies, and AP Environmental Science teacher Jennifer Ekstein is currently under investigation by BVH administrators. In Principal Roman Del Rosario’s statement addressing the hate speech at BVH, he made clear that, with support from SUHSD, BVH would not stand for hate speech. This photo was one of the two attachments in Del Rosario’s statement. Carina Muniz Dec 18, 2021 In light of the recent series of hate acts against Jewish and Black communities at Bonita Vista High (BVH), the Sweetwater Union High School District’s (SUHSD) adoption of Resolution No. 4761 aims to address anti-Semitic and other hate acts at a district-level. On Dec. 14—the day after SUHSD adopted the resolution—BVH Principal Roman Del Rosario officially issued a statement to the BVH community addressing the hateful acts committed on campus. “Bonita Vista High stands with our board of trustees in affirming the rights of Jewish students, staff, and families and will continue to work with the community and other organizations dedicated to addressing anti-Semitism,” Del Rosario’s statement read. “We will continue to investigate all issues related to hateful language, rhetoric and/or actions.” Since the hate-vandalism that took place on Oct. 31, a series of independent hateful acts have ensued in the following months. BVH staff and students alike have become victims of hate speech in and out of campus. As a result of these actions, Del Rosario held a faculty meeting on Dec. 8 addressing the hate speech occurring on campus and allowing teachers to share their own experiences and thoughts regarding these situations. “I thought it was important that I raise the level of consciousness of staff, students and parents. I had these teachers that were impacted share their first hand account of the incidents, and read an article by Dr. [Mica] Pollack from UCSD regarding hate speech in classrooms and our duty to confront it when it happens,” Del Rosario said. “I thought it was very good timing for us to bring more attention to that resolution and to also give out a statement that we do not tolerate any manifestation of hate, and [show] the respect we have towards our Jewish community.”

From pre-K lessons on ‘ethnic noses’ to lectures on Israel as an apartheid state, students are learning that Jews are the enemy. < Back How U.S. Public Schools Teach Antisemitism From pre-K lessons on ‘ethnic noses’ to lectures on Israel as an apartheid state, students are learning that Jews are the enemy. Last fall, Siriana Abboud put a new poster on the wall outside her pre-K classroom at a public school in Midtown Manhattan that, she claimed, would teach her four- and five-year-old students about the human body. The poster showed four sketches of differently shaped noses—two small, one hooked, and another with a nose ring. “Why do people have different noses?” a headline above the drawings asked. Underneath, kids posted their answers: “I think it’s because of your ancestors,” one wrote. “Where you are from,” scribbled another, with a smiley face and a heart. Next to these replies Abboud penned her own answer: “I think it’s based on your ethnic identity. In art, we can often tell ethnicity from the bridge of your nose.” One senior educator in the district, who is Jewish, told The Free Press she was “appalled” by the poster. “It’s clearly connected to the ethnic tropes of Jews having big noses. Quite frankly, it reminded me of Nazi comics. I had a visceral reaction to it. It was antisemitic.” But Abboud, a twentysomething who teaches pre-K at PS 59, Beekman Hill International School, wasn’t punished or disciplined by the Department of Education for the poster, a source who knows Abboud told The Free Press. In fact, last December, she won the Big Apple Award, the highest distinction for a city teacher, for being a “liberation-inspired educator” who “raises societal expectations of the critical work of young children.” Abboud, who did not respond to The Free Press for comment, posts regularly on her Instagram account, which has nearly 7,000 followers and includes a Lebanese flag in her bio, about her education mission statement: “Centering Arab narratives the way my schooling never did.” In it, she shares “collective action guides” on how to “Speak with your child about Palestine” and how to “Decolonize your teaching.” Many of her posts use cheery pastel infographics while declaring her support for Palestine, including one message she posted two days after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel that left 1,200 dead. On October 9, Abboud wrote: “we stand with those still tearing down border walls,” and “we show solidarity with those still fighting to free their stolen land.” Earlier, she had made her philosophy for educating kids clear: “Our work of decolonizing education begins in preschool. It is very much already a political practice.” Ever since Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, pro-Palestinian protests have swept U.S. colleges, leading to charges of Jew-hatred and a disastrous congressional hearing where three college presidents failed to offer a clear moral condemnation of rising antisemitism. But the ideology fueling these demonstrations isn’t limited to the college campus. It now begins in public high schools and even elementary schools as early as pre-K, according to more than 30 public school teachers, administrators, and parents across four states who spoke to The Free Press. American youths aren’t just encountering the views on TikTok; they’re learning them from teachers and, in some cases, from the mandatory public school curriculum itself. Take California, where a 10th grade history course, approved by the Santa Ana Unified School District, includes readings that call Israel an “extremist illegal Jewish settler population” and accuses the country of “ethnic cleansing.” Or the Jefferson Union High School District near San Francisco, which teaches about the “Palestinian dispossession of lands/identity/culture through Zionist settler colonialism.” The root of these lessons stems from California’s new “Ethnic Studies Model Curriculum” (ESMC), which passed in 2021 and mandates lessons on the marginalization of black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American peoples, emphasizing how they are oppressed by a white oppressor, says Brandy Shufutinsky, the director of education and community engagement for the Jewish Institute of Liberal Values. “It’s a Trojan horse to institutionalize antisemitism in California schools,” Shufutinsky said. Meanwhile, more than one million secondary school students in all 50 states are learning about history and the Middle East from the Brown University Choices Program. A strong pro-Palestinian bias shines through in the Brown teaching materials that are publicly available online. Israel, according to multiple lessons, is a “Zionist enterprise in Palestine,” an “apartheid state,” a “settler colony,” and “a military occupier.” (A Brown spokesperson told The Free Press, “Choices curriculum materials address the topic of antisemitism both historically and in terms of the contemporary threats and growing violence against Jewish people.”) The Qatari Foundation International, an organization funded by Qatar’s ruling class, has purchased some of Brown’s materials and distributed them to 75 American teachers as well as sponsored a teacher training program in Wyoming, the spokesperson confirmed. These ideas have profound consequences. A Harvard Harris poll from this month found that 67 percent of people aged 18 to 24 believe that “Jews as a class are oppressors and should be treated as oppressors ,” compared to 44 percent of people aged 25 to 34; 24 percent of those aged 45 to 54; 15 percent of those 55 to 64; and 9 percent over 65 years who say the same. In the New York City public school system, which educates more than one million students, the indoctrination began as far back as 2018, when it was codified in a new curriculum called the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework (CRSE), sources said. The CRSE seeks to mold students into citizens who “have a critical lens through which they challenge inequitable systems of access, power, and privilege.” While New York City’s CRSE does not explicitly refer to Jews or antisemitism, its teachings have led to a belief that “Jews have to be categorized as white and oppressors,” said Shufutinsky. According to the oppressor vs. oppressed narrative, “the only reason Jews as a minority could be overrepresented in positions of prestige is because they must have oppressed somebody,” Shufutinsky said. “And if you accept that people who’ve achieved success only got it through ill gain, then of course, it’s going to fuel Jew-hatred.” That hatred was on full display in the hallways of Hillcrest High School in Queens on the morning of November 20. Hillcrest pupils, who discovered that a Jewish teacher at the school had supported Israel on her personal Facebook page, started spreading calls for a “raid” on their social media accounts. One student even commented that the teacher “is getting executed in the town square.” Suddenly, around 11 a.m., hundreds of students flooded the hallways chanting “Free Palestine” as the teacher barricaded herself in an office. Later, she released a statement to the media that she was “shaken to my core by the calls to violence against me”—and refused to comment further. But another Jewish teacher, who has worked at Hillcrest for nearly 20 years, and who asked not to be named out of fear of losing his job, told The Free Press: “I’ve never seen anything like it. Because the teacher was Jewish, it feels like society doesn’t care. If there was a black teacher and students tried to corner her and beat her up because she’s black, you know very well how different the situation would be. There’d be riots. People would be fired. There’d be all sorts of sensitivity trainings.” Almost to prove this point, when Chancellor David Banks, the man chosen by Mayor Eric Adams to lead the NYC Department of Education, held a press conference a week after the riot, he said the teacher was “never in direct danger” and the accusation of antisemitic violence in the hallways was “an example of misinformation being spread online.” On December 3, Banks added that Hillcrest had suspended “the ringleaders” of the riot. But three days later, a swastika and the message “Fuck Palestine,” scrawled in red marker, appeared on the wall of the lunch room at Hillcrest. A 15-year-old pupil was arrested and charged with aggravated harassment for the crime. Adults have been actively encouraging some of the recent student protests at NYC schools. On October 25, a public school teacher from Brooklyn’s Urban Assembly Institute of Math and Science for Young Women skipped class with a group of about 20 high school girls to attend a pro-Palestine protest in Washington Square Park. One student at the demonstration, who had a Palestinian flag painted on her face, held up a sign with two hands that read “Please Keep the WORLD Clean” and showed the image of a blue Jewish star in a trash bin . On November 9, both teachers and parents helped organize more than 700 students from 100 public schools from across New York City to join in a mass walkout in Bryant Park. One teacher identified only as Brittany talked to CBS News as she marched alongside her pupils. “We teach our students about social justice,” Brittany said. “If we can’t act on what we are teaching our students, then what are we doing?” Before that protest, a Brooklyn school board, staffed with elected parents, distributed an 11-page “Day of Action Toolkit ” to students, telling them how to plan their walkout and even providing slogans to chant, including lines like “We don’t want no Zionists here! ” and “From the river to the sea. ” The guide for protest chants put together with help from Brooklyn school board CEC 14 ahead of New York City public school students’ planned walkout on November 9. Sagit Shir, an Israeli-born mother of two daughters in the Brooklyn school district, said the latter slogan is a “statement in the Hamas charter. This is not exactly a peaceful message.” Shir said she’s critical of Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, even though both she and her husband were injured in a Hamas suicide bomb attack in Tel Aviv in 2003. But she doesn’t understand why the school board is “promoting a strong one-sided stance.” “Why is this divisive message being pursued instead of one of unity and coming together in these tough times?” she asked. Despite warnings from Chancellor Banks that “School leaders, teachers, and other school staff should not express their personal views about political matters during the school day, while on school grounds, or while working at school events”—as stipulated in their code of conduct—none of the teachers who’ve walked out with their students have been punished, sources told The Free Press. A spokesperson for the Department of Education said the department “addressed” the October 25 incident but stated they were unaware of any other reports of teachers joining students in protests. Karen Feldman, who has taught middle school in New York City for 25 years and specializes in Holocaust education, said these hateful displays have led to a “poisoning of our education system” that is beyond repair. “How do you really promote diversity, equity, and inclusion when you have the leaders of equity trained on propaganda that promotes antisemitism and ultimately, they bring it into the classrooms?” Donalda Chumney, a former superintendent of District 2 who is not Jewish, told me that within the Department of Education, Jews “fade into whiteness, in a way that makes whiteness a monolith.” “It’s almost as though they don’t exist.” While principles of New York City’s “culturally responsive” curriculum are now being taught in public schools across the country—from New Jersey to Illinois and soon Minnesota—some public school students are getting unauthorized lessons about the Middle East. On December 6, in Oakland, California, for example, at least 70 teachers held a “teach-in” to students in the district, using materials recommended by National Students for Justice in Palestine. One presentation, entitled “Palestine 101,” states that the first Intifada, which killed 1,000 Palestinians and over 100 Israelis, was “mostly non-violent resistance.” Lessons like these are particularly insidious when they’re taught to very young, impressionable students, said Andrew Goldberg, the parent of a middle schooler and a filmmaker who produced Viral: Antisemitism in Four Mutations. “Middle school is an age where kids start experimenting with racism, bigotry, and bad language,” Goldberg said. “And schools are not equipped to handle it and they don’t address it, particularly antisemitism, because they don’t understand it.” One Jewish mother told The Free Press how her middle school–aged son was subjected to antisemitic bullying two years ago at the public Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy in the Bronx. It started, she said, with his peers giving him the Nazi salute when they passed him in the halls. Then, in the months leading up to his bar mitzvah last November, classmates created a Snapchat group where they bombarded her son with antisemitic memes, which she shared with The Free Press, including swastikas and a picture of Hitler next to the message “when you see your gas bill.” Another showed her son with a Hitler mustache scribbled over his face and a red swastika drawn in the top left corner. One of the messages sent via Snapchat to a Jewish middle school student at Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy in the Bronx last fall. The abuse went on for over a month before the mom found out and reported it to the school’s principal, she said. But she was scared of the repercussions for speaking up. “I didn’t want to be the poster child in Riverdale of standing up to antisemitism,” she said. “I just really wanted this to stop.” She asked the school to instruct the students on antisemitism and why their actions were wrong. “That, as far as I’m aware, was not done,” she said. The principal of Riverdale Kingsbridge Academy did not respond to a Free Press request for comment. At the end of the school year, she pulled her son out of the public school in the Bronx and enrolled him in a different high school in Westchester, closer to her work. “I didn’t want him to have to stay there any longer than he needed to,” she said. Andrew Goldberg, the filmmaker, described how his 11-year-old was also targeted with antisemitic taunts. This past fall, he said, a fellow sixth-grade student at a public school in Westport, Connecticut, leaned toward his son as they were leaving class and said, “Hey, I have a fun camp for you. It has great showers. Camp Auschwitz.” He then added that another Jewish classmate “has already joined.” Months later, the same student jeered at Goldberg’s son in the hallways, yelling and laughing, “We must exterminate the Jews!” But after Goldberg and his wife complained to the principal and superintendent of the school, the officials responded with a “support plan,” reviewed by The Free Press, which mainly recommended his son “try a new table at lunch.” Nothing in the plan referenced antisemitism. Goldberg said he and his wife felt they had no option but to take their son out of public school and enroll him in a private Jewish day school. Through a lawyer, they asked Westport Public Schools to help pay their child’s tuition, and the district agreed—but only if the Goldbergs would sign a nondisclosure agreement swearing them to secrecy, he said. The Goldbergs refused. “We viewed this as hush money,” Goldberg said. Westport Public Schools did not return calls from The Free Press for comment. Almost two dozen Jewish parents of public school students ranging from elementary school to high school told me they’re scared for their kids due to a rise in antisemitism after October 7. One mother told me through tears how she instructed her daughter to hide her Jewish star necklace—which she received as a present for her bat mitzvah in Israel this summer—and not to tell people that she’s Jewish if someone asks her on the street. “I’ve said things to her that someone would have told my family in the 1940s,” she said. “This is lunacy. This is New York City in 2023.” Another mother told me she is now thinking about pulling her two sons out of Townsend Harris High School in Queens—one of the best in the country—and enrolling them in private school because of antisemitic bullying. Last year, she said, one of her eldest son’s peers told him during gym class to “go die in the Holocaust.” And then she said her youngest son, a freshman at the school, was targeted by a teammate on his varsity badminton team. On November 26, the teammate posted a photo of the badminton squad on Instagram that showed everyone’s face except her son’s, the sole Jewish member of the team, whose face was covered by a Palestinian flag. The image of a Jewish freshman, face covered by a Palestinian flag, which was circulated by one of his badminton teammates at Townsend Harris High School in Queens via Instagram. (The Free Press has blurred out the other youths’ faces.) The mother said she emailed the principal twice and waited an entire week before he replied and said he would report it as a “possible bias incident” to the Department of Education. When The Free Press reached out to the principal, he declined to comment further. “Social media has made them feel like they can say and do whatever they want, and we have a culture where there are no consequences,” the mother told The Free Press. Another mom called Sarah said her children go to two separate public schools where antisemitic graffiti has appeared since October 7. Swastikas were found in the bathroom of West End Secondary on the Upper West Side, and messages like “Free Palestine” and “Long Live Hamas” were scrawled on the bathroom walls of Hudson Cliffs, a K–8 school in Washington Heights. She said the schools don’t know how to deal with the problem. Neither school’s officials replied to Free Press requests for comment. “I just want them to look me in the eye and have them tell me my baby is safe at school,” she said. Jewish public school teachers in NYC who talked to The Free Press said that they, too, had been the victims of antisemitic treatment from students and fellow educators well before October 7, but also after 2018 when the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework was first established. Karen Feldman, the 25-year teaching veteran who works at an Upper East Side middle school she doesn’t want to name, recalls having to take part in a newly programmed equity training five years ago that literally split up the faculty by “White” and “non-White” groups and segregated them into different rooms. As a Jew, she said she didn’t feel she fit into either. “It just felt weird,” she told me. “It felt like my voice as a Jewish woman, as a Holocaust survivor’s grandchild, was not included.” These sessions used to happen once a month, she said. Now, they happen weekly. Since 2018, Feldman said she has dealt with multiple acts of graffiti at her school, including one instance where a student scribbled “Gews [sic] suck dick” in the boys’ bathroom. She also said she has overheard students use antisemitic slurs—including one who claimed Jews “killed Palestinian babies.” Last spring, during a group work session in her class, Feldman said one of her students asked another: “What should we do with these dirty Jews?” in front of two Jewish classmates. According to Feldman, the other student responded: “I know, we should put them in the oven.” Graffiti found in the bathroom of Karen Feldman’s middle school on the Upper East Side from the 2021–2022 school year. Feldman said one of the Jewish student’s mothers was so upset she pulled her son out of the school. In one instance last May, Feldman said a group of around 10 students surrounded her in the schoolyard, almost like they were driven by a “mob mentality,” pushing and throwing candy at her, chanting that she was a “Trump supporter.” She said she later found out the kids did it on a “dare” because they believed Jews supported Trump. But Feldman told me her school administration didn’t respond to these incidents with outcries or condemnations of antisemitism—just bureaucratic box-checking to shield themselves from legal liability. The school brought in a “restorative justice coordinator” who, according to Feldman, engaged the students “in a discussion on why they didn’t like me.” Also last spring, when a student drew a swastika on a Snapchat picture that he shared with members of the class, the school’s dean asked Feldman whether or not he should report it. “I told him, ‘Of course you need to report it. It’s one of the worst hate symbols in the world,’ ” Feldman said. “It’s just as bad as seeing a noose.” In the wake of the riot at Hillcrest High School, the federal department of education has launched a probe into the NYC Department of Education for possible violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which protects students from discrimination, due to accusations of “antisemitism, anti-Muslim, anti-Arab, and other forms of discrimination and harassment.” But later, Chancellor Banks admitted to CBS News New York, “They’re not launching an investigation into our entire system, they’re just following up on a complaint that someone made that perhaps there was an act of antisemitism.” The Department of Education refused to give further comment to The Free Press. Earlier this month, Banks and his team of administrators ignored invites from the Israeli consulate and the NYC Parent Alliance to watch a screening of the Hamas attack, to better understand “where our pain is coming from,” said Victoria Averbukh, a member of the alliance. She said the chancellor’s lack of response made her feel like “Jews are again being ignored,” Averbukh told The Free Press. “They say great things when it comes to press conferences,” she said of the Department of Education, “but when it comes to action it’s complete apathy. And apathy fits into antisemitism and anti-Jewish hate.” Moshe Spern, a special education department leader in the Department of Education, who is Jewish, added that until any actual changes are made, he doubts Jewish students will feel protected. “Until we know for sure these things will be acted upon properly, I would not recommend someone send Jewish students to public school today,” he said. Meanwhile, schools that allow students to be treated differently because of their ethnic group could face legal action, said Devon Westhill, a civil rights lawyer and the president of the Center for Equal Opportunity. “You are going to be subjected to serious liability if you are treating students differently based on their race, based on their color or their national origin,” he said. This even applies to how kids are taught. “Trying to train students that because of race or because of color, or because of national origin, some of the students in the class are better than others or are oppressors or bad or good” could all be grounds for a suit, Westhill said. But Karen Feldman, the veteran educator, is worried about the damage already done. In 2022, she notes, the National Education Association—the largest labor union in the United States, made up of over three million educators—passed a resolution to “support members who educate students and other members about the history, geography, and current affairs of the Palestinian people.” When that happened, she remembers thinking, “This is going to give teachers the green light to teach that terrorism is a form of freedom fighting.” Now, she says, “I definitely feel our future is at stake. I know it sounds a little radical but I see the brainwashing.” She compared it to the Nazis’ “propaganda education, which played a major role in brainwashing the public, especially the youth.” “It became embedded in every facet of society, from children’s games to books to stories on the news. I believe if we keep going on this trajectory, we could potentially be at a level where you have the youth doing everything that they are directed to based on this propaganda. And that’s a scary thought.” Previous Next

At UCLA, faculty and departments have moved anti-Zionist activism from the margins into university life, becoming a core engine of campus antisemitism. < Back The Elephant on Bruin Walk: UCLA Can’t Curb Campus Antisemitism While Ignoring Faculty-Led Anti-Zionism At UCLA, faculty and departments have moved anti-Zionist activism from the margins into university life, becoming a core engine of campus antisemitism. On Thursday, UCLA’s Consortium for Palestine Studies will host a lecture entitled “Revisiting Zionism as a Form of Racism and Racial Discrimination” given by Rutgers professor Noura Erakat, an outspoken anti-Zionist who compares Zionism to Nazism and white supremacy . The event is co-sponsored by a wide roster of UCLA academic units, most led by faculty who have publicly endorsed the academic boycott of Israel — a campaign that seeks to delegitimize Israel and turn the country and its supporters into pariahs within academic life. Last month, on the two-year anniversary of the October 7th attack, UCLA’s Faculty for Justice in Palestine (FJP) chapter co-hosted an on-campus rally celebrating Hamas’ massacre as “the people of Palestine righteously engaged in decolonial struggle” and demanded that the university “END [its] academic and financial complicity,” explicitly tying protest goals to academic-boycott demands. These are not isolated incidents. At UCLA, faculty and departments have moved anti-Zionist activism from the margins into university life, becoming a core engine of campus antisemitism. At least 115 faculty have publicly endorsed academic BDS, many while holding administrative roles. Dozens of departments and programs issued statements praising or defending last year’s illegal encampment and endorsing protester demands — including academic boycott and divestment — under official banners that signal institutional approval. From late 2023 through spring 2025, more than 20 Israel/Palestine events co-sponsored by numerous academic departments featured only BDS-supporting speakers; none offered a balancing view. Making matters worse, UCLA’s Faculty for Justice in Palestine, formed shortly after the October 2023 Hamas massacre for the express purpose of advancing academic BDS’s anti-normalization goals on campus, has organized teach-ins and events like the recent rally celebrating the Hamas massacre, and pursued legal efforts that marginalize Zionist students and deny Jewish identity. Even more troubling, FJP’s anti-Zionist mobilization is now being formalized through the faculty-initiated Consortium for Palestine Studies, founded in fall 2024 by five FJP-affiliated supporters of academic BDS. Branded as “at UCLA” but not approved by the Academic Senate, the Consortium uses UCLA’s name and infrastructure to legitimize anti-Zionist research and teaching and to co-sponsor events, including the upcoming “Zionism is Racism” lecture, effectively institutionalizing anti-Zionism without academic oversight. As these faculty- and department-led anti-normalization campaigns rapidly expanded, antisemitism surged: from July 2023 through June 2025, incidents at UCLA targeting Jewish members of the campus community for harm — including assaults, vandalism, and bullying – rose by nearly 3,000% compared with the prior two years. In the same period, rhetoric glorifying violence against Israel or Jews, and calling for or justifying the elimination of the Jewish state, increased by nearly 1,000%. This surge in antisemitic incidents is what triggered federal scrutiny. Earlier this year, the Department of Justice pursued a civil‑rights probe of UCLA, found the university in violation of federal law and transmitted to the UC Regents a proposed Resolution Agreement that was publicly released last week. While that proposal carries sweeping requirements and major financial exposure, it does not address the real institutional driver of the problem: faculty and academic units using official university channels to delegitimize Zionism and advance academic‑boycott anti‑normalization campaigns that incite antisemitic harassment and curtail Jewish and Zionist students’ participation in campus life. This is not a question of academic freedom; it is about institutional conduct and professional standards. When departments and faculty initiatives use UCLA’s name and platforms to label Zionism as racism or to praise Hamas’s October 7 attack as “righteous,” they weaponize academic authority, delegitimize a core part of many Jewish students’ identity, and incite hostility and harm towards them on campus. The message to Jewish and Zionist students is unmistakable: you are unwelcome and unsafe. If UCLA is serious about addressing campus antisemitism, it must bar faculty from using official titles and university resources for political advocacy and activism. It must end departmental partnerships with faculty advocacy groups that promote discriminatory boycotts and bar those groups from receiving university funds or using university facilities. And it must restructure or discipline departments that have materially contributed to a hostile environment for students. Even under DOJ’s sweeping proposal, UCLA can satisfy new requirements and still miss the heart of the problem if it refuses to acknowledge and address how faculty and departments use the university’s name and platforms for political ends. Jewish and Zionist students deserve to learn without fear. If UCLA declines to act, campus antisemitism will continue, and no fines or compliance plans will fix it. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tammi Rossman-Benjamin serves as executive director of AMCHA Initiative, a non-profit antisemitism watchdog, and was a University of California faculty member for twenty years. Previous Next