A Jewish teacher had to hide in a locked office as students stormed the halls demanding she be fired for attending a pro

[sarisataka]

A Jewish teacher had to hide in a locked office as students stormed the halls demanding she be fired for attending a pro-Israel rally, say reports

Students flooded their school halls in protest over a teacher's Facebook profile photo, which showed her at a pro-Israel rally, the New York Post reported. Police were called to respond to the incident on Monday morning — and the teacher was placed in a locked office.

TikTok videos appear to show students at Hillcrest High School in Queens, New York, running through the school and jumping.

One senior at the school told the Post students planned the action in response to the teacher's photo. The Facebook photo, posted on TikTok, showed the teacher holding a sign saying "I stand with Israel."

"A bunch of kids decided to make a group chat, expose her, talk about it, and then talk about starting a riot," the senior said.

https://www.businessinsider.in/education/news/a-jewish-teacher-had-to-hide-in-a-locked-office-as-students-stormed-the-halls-demanding-she-be-fired-for-attending-a-pro-israel-rally-say-reports/articleshow/105515907.cms

How can the teacher return to class knowing so many antisemitic students would be willing to harm her?

[NutmegYankee]

1. There is absolutely nothing wrong with holding an "I stand with Israel" sign.

Put the teacher back in the classroom and place the kids into an alternative school or expel them. This shit needs to stop.

[jimfields33]

51. I'd like every one of those students kicked out of school.

The teachers life is in serious risk.

[lapucelle]

2. Columbia Journalism School professor Bill Grueskin is calling out the New York Times

for not covering the story.

Link to tweet

[sarisataka]

8. It is interesting how little coverage this has received

There are plenty of videos available

[Cha]

34. rec TY

[tritsofme]

3. How disgusting. These children's minds have been poisoned by vile hate.

[vanlassie]

16. Do you suppose they have wealthy parents?

[Hekate]

44. I suppose the school system has not taught them 20th Century history

[FBaggins]

48. Or much of anything else, apparently

The school’s test scores are atrocious - https://data.nysed.gov/profile.php?instid=800000042096

[Dorian Gray]

73. They don't

It's a school in a in Jamaica, Queens and the student population is 80% low income students.

[yagotme]

4. "and then talk about starting a riot,"

Tells you plenty right here...

[Sal_NV]

5. And of course this is Israel's fault.

[Walleye]

6. There currently is a cease-fire, I guess that hasn't gotten into the thick brains of these kids

[CincyDem]

7. Ask them to find Gaza on a map.

If their geography knowledge is up to that of the average American, it’s either a little to the left of that big island over near Canada or just north of that boot shaped place over that a way.

[Chainfire]

9. That is not just. I do wonder, however how the same people who are offended by the kid's actions

feel about the government doing the same kind of thing:

Officials in Florida ordered state universities and colleges last month to disband chapters of the National Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) on their campuses. The order followed the national group’s response to the surprise attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel early last month.

[Ocelot II]

10. Of course that's offensive but it's DeSantis' Florida

where everything is censored.

[sarisataka]

11. I fail to see the parallel

SJP members did not have to be locked in an office to protect them.

As free speech goes, I am a near absolutist. If a group wants to openly support terrorists and cheer mass murder, I will support their right to do so. If they start advocating or threatening violence against individuals or groups, then I have a problem.

[tritsofme]

12. Not a good analogy at all.

But I do support the rights of those pro-Hamas student groups to exist.

I also hope all their members sign public statements that haunt them for the rest of their lives.

[mcar]

13. I'm offended by both

I wonder if all the “I won’t vote for Biden because Israel” folks realize that this is what they’ll get - and then some- by their stance.

[DFW]

14. I'm sure plenty of people died of Covid after voting for Trump because of Hillary's emails

I mourn not a one of them.

[mcar]

15. My stance toward any non-HRC voters

is no sympathy, no empathy.

[DFW]

38. I feel pretty much the same way.

They made their beds. Now sleep in them.

[yardwork]

18. Have you watched the videos?

The kids' actions are most closely akin to those of the J6ers. They tore a water fountain from the wall, smashed up things, chased the teacher and tried to break down the door of the office where she was being protected by police. Really, very similar to J6 behavior. All planned in advance on social media.

And, by "the government" you mean DeSantis's ongoing dismantling of Constitutional rights? Yeah, I don't agree with that either and I doubt you'll find any DUers who do.

[Cha]

35. Rec.. I haven't seen the videos... your

vivid description is enough. were they gong to do If they broke down the door?!

TY

[Hekate]

45. Jesus Christ on a Trailer Hitch

How about those juvenile delinquents get doxxed like they did their teacher?

[maxsolomon]

17. WHO are these students?

This is a STEAM curriculum high school in Jamaica, Queens. There have to be Jewish kids attending, too.

The Principal and Staff have a huge disciplinary problem on their hands.

[yardwork]

20. Watching the videos, it was a literal riot.

Planned in advance on social media. Violent and stupid - mob behavior. Is this happening a lot in schools now? I've never seen anything like this.

Edited to add link to an article with one of the student-created and posted TikTok videos.
https://m.jpost.com/diaspora/article-775157

[Lucky Luciano]

56. Well, with videos they can be sent to prison.

Hopefully as convicted felons. How bout that permanent record

[obamanut2012]

22. I want to know, too -- this is insanely concerning on many levels

I have been trying to find out what happened after ie discipline but can't find any follow up at all.

[FBaggins]

50. The demographics don't imply it

There are a pair of Jewish communities in the area, but they are Orthodox and Bukharian - and probably have their own schools for religious reasons

[maxsolomon]

61. What do the demographics imply, then?

Are there significant Muslim populations in the area?

[obamanut2012]

64. They mean many of the students there are POC, mainly black

[maxsolomon]

66. Saw them in the shaky video. I'd assumed that, because it's Queens, but I am surprised that

Af-Am students would be so engaged on this issue - to riot at the school over a Jewish teacher exercising free speech rights. That's why I'm asking about Muslim populations, as they're more likely to be passionate about I/P.

It's still a massive disciplinary issue - can't see that teacher feeling safe in class anytime soon, if ever.

[yardwork]

68. The NYC schools head said more than 30% of the students are Muslim.

The school leaders note that the students were stirred up by social media, notably TikTok.

https://www.nydailynews.com/2023/11/27/investigation-underway-hillcrest-high-school-after-students-target-pro-israel-teacher/

[yardwork]

70. Also, news reports said that there was another big fight at this school a week or so ago.

Last edited Tue Nov 28, 2023, 01:46 PM - Edit history (1)

The school safety officer was hurt while breaking up a fight that involved a lot of students.

And the school had to shut down again after this mob incident because students threatened to do it again if the teacher wasn't fired. AND now they're threatening to do it again this Thursday.

Seems like something is going on in this school.

Edit to add a news link: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/queens-high-school-chaos-safety-officer-beaten-teacher-hid-in-classroom-in-separate-incidents/4897241/?amp=1

[Jedi Guy]

19. I bet not a one of these smoothbrain "students" could articulate what the conflict is about or where it is.

The fact that they believe this is an appropriate response on their part to the teacher's free expression is nauseating. Once again, we see that when they label someone an "oppressor" it's open season on that unfortunate person and it's perfectly fine to intimidate and terrorize them. That their target is a teacher, an authority figure, no doubt added to their glee.

Chuck them out and let them pursue their "education" elsewhere. That teacher shouldn't have to put up with their bullshit, nor have to look at them smirking at her afterward. What a bunch of cretins.

[LiberalFighter]

21. The students should be suspended for the rest of the semester.

This is one reason why religion should not be part of public schools.

[sarisataka]

25. Are you implying this had something to do

With teaching religion in school. Because there is nothing to indicate that was happening.

The only relationship this has to religion is the hatred of the students towards one particular religion.

[LiberalFighter]

28. No! I implied this is a reason religion should not be taught in public schools.

If it was there would be more hatred.

[TexasDem69]

55. I'm not aware of any public school that teaches religion

I guess some schools offer elective courses.

[maxsolomon]

67. Comparative Religion classes are fine with me.

In fact, I think it would be good for most kids to learn what's outside the box.

[DeeDeeNY]

23. My husband spent his entire teaching career at that school

This is beyond scary.

[yardwork]

24. Can he give any insight into the dynamics at the school?

This is one of the original articles with student-created video: https://m.jpost.com/diaspora/article-775157

[DeeDeeNY]

30. He retired many years ago, so he has no clue

At the time he left, the student body was mostly apathetic about world events.

[yardwork]

33. This is a result of the massive pro-Hamas, anti-Israeli propaganda.

Those kids don't know anything about the middle east, I would wager. They got stirred up by social media and this is the result.

The ultimate impact is that voters watch this and think "I'm going to vote Republican even though I don't like Trump much. He says he'll put a stop to this violence." That's exactly what my Republican relatives would say if they saw this. I'm kind of glad it's not getting much publicity.

[whathehell]

80. It might have something to do

with the fact that 30% of the students at that school are muslim. Beyond that, even the kids themselves said they thought some of the kids were just using it as an excuse to act up or "have fun".

[DeeDeeNY]

82. Unfortunately the teacher's fright was very real

[whathehell]

84. I'm sure it was..

and I think those kids need to be "read the riot act" as it were.

[elleng]

78. VERY.

[IronLionZion]

26. Nobody wants to give peace a chance anymore?

Can't we all just get along?

[yardwork]

27. Nobody? I don't agree.

The fact that some people do violent mean things doesn't mean that nobody wants to give peace a chance. Lots of people get along well with others.

[IronLionZion]

29. I certainly hope so

It seems like the peacemakers don't get much attention and headlines though.

[yardwork]

31. They never do.

"Ms. Smith got up this morning and helped her partner prepare breakfast, which they enjoyed in peaceful harmony. Later they helped out a neighbor and volunteered at the local women's shelter. In the evening they joined friends for a potluck supper." Doesn't get news.

[Igel]

40. They were cowering in the corner.

Instead of speaking out.

Easier to protest Trump than protest Maduro.

[IronLionZion]

49. Not sure what your reply has to do with my post or the OP

[electric_blue68]

32. Awful, and disgusting! Poor teacher. And trashing parts of the school? Nasty!

She had every right to go to a pro-Israel march.

I support Israel, not Netanyahu & other Israeli RW's not the illegal WV settlements. If she does it's still her right. (and I'd have serious discussion w her)

[yardwork]

36. When I was in high school, many of my teachers held strong views.

I disagreed with most of them. Many of my teachers were right wing Christian fundamentalists, fearful of communism, in favor of US going to war to "fight communism," etc. Some of them were openly bigoted. I enjoyed arguing with them. I was always greatly outnumbered but I held my ground. Once I got my Civics teacher to listen to a Bob Dylan song. He said he'd heard of Dylan but never heard any of his songs. He was fearful, I guess that God would smite him or he'd be infected with the communism or something.. This was in 1977.

Many of those same teachers were also excellent teachers, partly because of their real expertise in, say, algebra, and partly because they encouraged informed debates.

These students planned and executed a violent riot. They weren't interested in discussing anything, learning anything.

[electric_blue68]

37. Oh, yes This was Planned Mayhem!

Interesting to have such a different educational experience - your many RW, Christian teachers. Thank goodness they were good at their subjects!

I'd say/guess mine many were moderate to very liberal Democrats, some Liberal Republicans (a real thing back in the mid late '60s!), and some Conservatives in the areas of NYC I lived in.

[yardwork]

39. I grew up in rural Ohio.

It's been a useful life lesson as I can understand how and why many MAGAs feel as they do. Fear is a very strong motivator for them - a fact that is underappreciated by the DNC, I believe.

[electric_blue68]

47. Ok, then. But do you think at least a few might have their fears mitigated?...

Who knows - maybe a few here and there just might swing a district?

Oh, I'd certainly Not count on it - Super GOTV should be our strategy but any little extra edge might help.

[yardwork]

53. I don't know, but Fox News encourages white Americans to fear crime.

And "crime" is a dog whistle among many whites to mean "Black people committing violent crimes." When right wing white voters see videos like this incident, or mob shoplifting incidents, their fears are reinforced. The message - which Trump promotes - is that crime is a big problem, Democrats are allowing/encouraging crime through "woke" policies, and only Trump can keep white people safe. This, essentially, is his platform.

[electric_blue68]

58. You're certainly right about that "crime dog whistle"!

His racism, sexism etc is Horrific!

The "permission" he gave to all kinds of bigotry! 😑😥🙁😨😬
The surealness of where he took certain Americans, that we got dragged along with in some ways; it's hair-raising!

I'm So glad I have many Interests, and activities that keep me away from usually thinking about it when I'm not on here.

[Igel]

41. These days some students are traumatized if they hear that their

teacher is a (R). It's personal, and "it's violence for that piece of s**t be allowed in this school!"

Why? When asked, the teacher simply said he voted (R) in local elections.

[yardwork]

42. That's against everything America supposedly stands for.

There are too few teachers already. Now students and their families are driving out those who don't pass a political litmus test? No wonder teachers are quitting in droves.

[Elessar Zappa]

43. Most students aren't like these asshats.

Teachers are mostly quitting due to parents and school administration. Most teachers say they didn’t have a problem with the kids.

[yardwork]

46. That makes sense.

[Think. Again.]

52. This is more of the same problem we're seeing...

...when pro-Palestinian activists are harrassed.

This teacher has EVERY RIGHT to show her support for, or to criticize, Israel, as do those who show their support for, or criticize, Palestine.

And no, showing support for a terrorist organization (such as hamas) is NOT the same thing.

[Lucky Luciano]

54. I'd have quite the stare down with any and all students if I were the teacher.

WTF you gonna do about it punk?

[yardwork]

57. You should watch the video I linked.

[tritsofme]

59. Given the mob mentality that had taken hold, it would it would not be unreasonable for the teacher to fear for her life

or safety.

[Cha]

60. Of course... what did they plan to

do to her if they broke down the door?

[yagotme]

62. Thankfully, we didn't find out.

I'm quite sure it wasn't to shake her hand...

[yagotme]

63. Couple hundred students, yelling angrily.

Don't think you have that many eyes.

[Lucky Luciano]

74. Yeah saw the video just now. Send em to juvee. Garbage kids.

They’re on video so they’re screwed if the prosecutors do the right thing.

[yagotme]

85. Ha. Prosecutor's.

Those kids won't even see the inside of a police car. Unless they break into one.

[Abolishinist]

79. And for that, you'd be fired.

[yardwork]

65. The NYT finally covered this.

I don't subscribe so I can't see past the headline and first paragraph but their framing downplays what happened.

Meanwhile, there are lots of other news articles. Apparently there were 400 kids rioting.

[maxsolomon]

69. Just read the NYT article

30% of the students at Hillcrest are Muslim.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/27/nyregion/hillcrest-high-school-jewish-teacher-protest.html

[yardwork]

71. Yes, I saw that quote in another article.

Can you post four paragraphs of the NYT article? I'd like to read more about what they said.

[yardwork]

72. NYT changed their headline!

When I saw it earlier today there was a different headline that played down what happened. I can't remember exactly but it was something like "students protest Jewish teacher."

Edit. Found it. The original NYT headline was: "A Jewish teacher was the target of a student protest at Hillcrest High School."

[EllieBC]

81. "Understanding the students' viewpoint?"

With admin like that no wonder schools have a hard time finding teachers.

“Listen, we know an angry and violent mob was rioting but have you thought about their thoughts and feelings?”

Ffs.

[The Magistrate]

83. People Just Don't Think Things Through, Ma'am

This line amounts to stating 'Well, of course students agitated about Gaza will take it out on the nearest Jew'.


"Thinking that to understand is to pardon is the Devil's sentimentality."

[Kennah]

76. We creep closer and closer

"I never knew what was going on at those camps"

[elleng]

77. at Hillcrest High School in Queens, New York