Letters: ‘ADL Files Federal Complaint Against School District of Philadelphia’

At one time, American Jews would have found it incredible that a student would choose as a Halloween costume that of “a Palestinian freedom fighter” and attempt to drape a Palestinian flag over a Jewish student. Worse still is that the school principal would openly praise the costume.

These are among the claims cited by the Anti-Defamation League in a civil rights complaint against the Philadelphia School District for allowing schools to become a “viciously hostile” environment for Jewish students, as you reported.

None of it should surprise us today.

Thanks to the ADL for its action, but what is most glaring about this situation is the reaction of Philly Educators for Palestine that should antagonize the Jewish community; its statement was quoted in The Philadelphia Inquirer.

They wrote in a statement that they “believe in racial justice and firmly stand against genocide happening anywhere around the world.”

Against genocide? Like Hamas’ invasion of southern Israel last Oct. 7 when terrorists decapitated people, burned babies and murdered children with their parents watching and vice versa? I would not be aware if these Philly educators ever spoke out against the slaughter of 1,200 Jews and the kidnapping of another 240.

I am impressed that they seek “any opportunity for critical thought and discussion.”
The pro-Palestinian idea of “critical thought and discussion” that I have mostly observed has been occupation of campus buildings, harassment of Jews on and off campus, vandalizing public and private property, blocking entry to a synagogue, resisting arrest, setting up illegal encampments and blocking bridges and highways.

They can also enlighten us on what “Palestine” is. Are they referring to Palestine, Texas? Palestine, Illinois? East Palestine, Ohio? If there is an official governmental entity called “Palestine” in the Middle East, I would be grateful to know about it.

Bruce S. Ticker, Philadelphia