NEW YORK (VINnews) — A New York City public school is under fire for “Jewish erasure” after a classroom map surfaced which erases Israel, and labels it “Palestine.”
A former top official at the NYC Department of Education slammed a spokesman’s snarky defense of the map (later reversed) which he said was “patently antisemitic, nauseating and revolting.”
Donalda Chumney, former superintendent of Manhattan’s School District 2, told The NY Post she got angry at Styer’s response to a reporter who asked if the map was still standing.
“His reply was ignorant, inflammatory, and reinforced antisemitic narratives,” Chumney said.
But after Styer’s comment was published in the Free Press, he backtracked.
“As soon as we were made aware of concerns regarding the map it was removed,” he said in a statement. “We are committed to fostering a welcoming environment here at NYC Public Schools that supports all cultures and communities.”
“What steps [have been] taken to support him in learning about history, global affairs, antisemitism, or basic respect?” Chumney, now a parent on Community Education Council 15 in Brooklyn, asked in an email fired off this week.
“Or, I could have it wrong altogether. Is it the position of Chancellor Banks and Mayor Adams that Israel does not exist or does not have the right to exist?”
Tova Plaut, a New York City public school employee who has been a vocal supporter of Israel and Jewish causes, said she found the map “concerning.”
“It’s not just that we’re experiencing Jewish hate in NYC public schools, we’re actually experiencing Jewish erasure,” Plaut said. “And here is proof of that.”
According to “The Free Press”, the classroom in which the map was found is used to give lessons in the “Arab Culture Arts” program, funded by Qatar Foundation International (QFI), a nonprofit owned by the ruling family of the wealthy Arab state, which harbors leaders of the terrorist group Hamas.
Source: VosIzNeias
