Washington, DC – Following the passage by the Representative Assembly of the National Education Association (NEA) of a recommendation to its Executive Board to stop the union from using educational materials from the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) or participating in its programs, J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami issued the following statement:
“Antisemitism is surging nationally and globally – notably following the October 7 attacks. Jewish students are grappling with more and more antisemitic incidents and white-hot campus tensions, which too often cross the line into outright antisemitism.
We do not agree with the recommendation adopted by the Representative Assembly of the NEA to bar ADL materials from their teachers’ classrooms. We see real value in many of the materials the ADL produces, including Holocaust, anti-hate and antisemitism educational resources.
At this challenging moment, we cannot afford for leading educators and leading Jewish groups to be hurling accusations and retreating into their corners. There are troubling examples of antisemitism in schools that must be addressed – as well as all forms of hate and bias.
At the same time, charges of antisemitism must not be wielded to quash legitimate criticism of Israeli policy, labeling critical speech as antisemitic hate speech. It does not appear that the NEA vote can be dismissed as being driven by fringe ‘pro-Hamas’ antisemitic activists, as the ADL initially claimed. This rhetoric and approach demeans the meaning of antisemitism and runs the risk of fanning its flames.
We urge the NEA’s Executive Council to engage with a variety of partners who are committed to combating antisemitism and continue to show an ongoing and clear commitment to supporting Jewish students and members. It’s vital that teachers and students continue to have access to powerful and comprehensive antisemitism, Holocaust and anti-bigotry educational resources.”