I am outraged that the union representing our valued teachers has just passed a resolution that will lead to a hostile environment for Jewish and Israeli students in San Francisco public schools. The United Educators of San Francisco (UESF) resolution brings an international conflict into our classrooms at a time when antisemitism and other acts of hate and violence against marginalized communities are on the rise. Rather than promoting a safe space for dialogue on a highly charged and emotional issue for many families in our district, the union’s action has exacerbated an environment in which many Jewish students already feel isolated and alienated.

Our children are experiencing unprecedented levels of antisemitism, much of it from peers on social media where even a mention of Jewish heritage will result in “jokes” perpetuating antisemitic tropes and poorly devised references to the Holocaust, calls for Israel’s destruction, and litmus tests being applied to Jewish students. We are disappointed that UESF would support a resolution that will further hate and division. By endorsing the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement (BDS), and failing to affirm Israel’s right to exist, the message from the union is clear: Our Jewish and Israeli children are not safe or welcome in the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).

The “Resolution in Solidarity with the Palestinian People” also contains factual inaccuracies, uses inflammatory rhetoric and is completely one-sided. BDS is not a peace movement that supports the rights and self-determination of both Palestinians and Israelis. Rather, it seeks to harm Israel – including anyone who supports or cares about Jewish self determination in Israel.

We call on UESF to rescind the resolution immediately, publicly condemn all forms of antisemitism, and affirm that all children – Jews and Israelis included – are welcome in SFUSD. In addition, we ask that guidance be issued to ensure all children will be treated equally, regardless of their individual views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.