A recent New York City Department of Education (DOE) newsletter has caused major controversy after claiming that Israel is committing “genocide in Gaza.” This statement upset many Jewish teachers and pro-Israel activists, who say it promotes antisemitism in public schools. The newsletter, which was sent to hundreds of teachers across the city, has raised questions about political messaging in schools and how it affects students and staff.
Controversial Statement Sparks Outrage
The statement appeared in a 14-page spring 2025 newsletter called “Teacher Career Pathways.” It was shared with master teachers from more than 1,800 NYC schools and featured the logos of both the DOE and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT).
In one section titled “Teacher Leadership in Action,” the newsletter described a student-led event on March 28 inspired by pro-Palestinian protests. It claimed the Gaza conflict showed “the urgent need for student voices to be heard.”
This sentence drew strong criticism from Jewish teachers and community leaders, who say it unfairly presents one-sided views and spreads harmful ideas about Israel and Jewish people.
Teachers Speak Out
One anonymous Jewish teacher said she was deeply hurt by the newsletter. “Does the DOE expect me, a Jewish educator, to share a message that calls what’s happening in Gaza a genocide?” she asked. She said the protests mentioned in the newsletter were filled with antisemitic language and calls for the destruction of Israel.
Repeated Incidents Raise Concerns
This isn’t the first time the DOE has faced backlash. Earlier in the month, another DOE newsletter shared a link to a “Stop Gaza Genocide Toolkit,” which had radical messages like “Stop arming Israel” and “Free Palestine.”
In addition, an anti-Israel group called Labor for Palestine recently emailed teachers, urging them to join a May Day strike and protests against the war in Gaza. DOE officials later warned teachers not to join those activities during school hours.
Calls for Accountability
Karen Feldman, co-founder of the NYC Public School Alliance and a teacher for 26 years, said it’s alarming to see the DOE spread what she called “inflammatory and historically false propaganda.” She believes schools should stay neutral and focus on education, not political agendas.
City Councilwoman Julie Menin called the genocide reference “unconscionable” and said the DOE had already been warned. “There need to be consequences for hate speech,” she said, criticizing the DOE for failing again.
DOE and UFT Respond
The DOE later removed the language from the newsletter and said it was “unacceptable.” A spokesperson added that review procedures would be improved to prevent future issues. However, the DOE did not say who wrote that part of the newsletter.
The UFT also responded, saying they were not involved in writing or reviewing the newsletter. They said their role in the Career Pathways program is focused on teacher training and support, not communications.
Community Demands Action
Michelle Ahdoot from the group #EndJewHatred said these incidents show a clear pattern of ignoring antisemitism in schools. She demanded a public apology and a full investigation into how such messages were approved.
Real Impact on Jewish Teachers
Jewish teachers say they feel unsafe. One teacher even had to lock herself in an office at Hillcrest High School while students searched for her during a protest after the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. These events have left many feeling unsupported by school leaders.
The backlash over the DOE’s newsletter highlights growing concerns about bias and antisemitism in NYC public schools. Many Jewish educators and community leaders are calling for stronger leadership, more balanced communication, and a clear commitment to keeping schools safe and neutral spaces. As the situation in the Middle East continues, schools must handle such topics with care, ensuring all voices feel respected and protected.
