US Congress Report Finds Schools Taught Students to Label Israel and US as Terrorists
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
A U.S. Congressional report found that some American public schools and the National Education Association (NEA) promoted antisemitic materials, including labeling the U.S. and Israel as terrorist states. The investigation examined curricula in Philadelphia and Berkeley, noting materials that depicted Israel's territory as "Palestine." The NEA also allegedly funded organizations distributing antisemitic content. While the committee chairman stressed the need for safety and parental rights, a Jewish public affairs group criticized the report as politically motivated.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- A U.S. Congress report details antisemitism and radical activism in public schools and the NEA.
- Students in Philadelphia were reportedly taught that the U.S. and Israel are terrorist states.
- Educational materials in Berkeley omitted Israel from maps, labeling its territory as "Palestine."
- The NEA allegedly funded organizations distributing antisemitic materials.
- Committee Chairman Tim Walberg stated parents want children to learn academics, not hate Israel.
- The Jewish Council for Public Affairs criticized the report as politically motivated.
A report by the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce has revealed instances of antisemitism and radical political activism within American public schools and the National Education Association (NEA), a major teachers' union with approximately three million members. The investigation, led by the committee's Republican majority, examined school curricula in Philadelphia and Berkeley, California, as well as the NEA's activities.
In Philadelphia, students were reportedly presented with assignments that characterized the United States and Israel as terrorist states. The materials also mentioned a Hamas-backed campaign among resistance movements deserving respect. In Berkeley, educational materials were found to omit Israel from maps, labeling its territory as "Palestine."
The report further alleges that since October 7, 2023, the NEA has committed thousands of dollars to organizations like Rethinking Schools and the Zinn Education Project, which the committee claims distribute antisemitic educational materials. Additionally, the union's leadership reportedly avoided collaboration with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) even before its representatives decided to cease engagement with the organization in 2025.
"Parents send their children to school to learn to read, write, and count, not to be taught to hate Israel or support radical political movements," stated committee chairman Tim Walberg. He emphasized that Jewish students should feel safe and that parents have the right to know what their children are being taught.
However, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA), a Jewish public affairs organization that collaborates with the NEA on combating antisemitism, criticized the report. According to its head, Amy Spitalnick, the report's authors overlook the work the union has done to counter antisemitism and are using the issue for political purposes.
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