New Jersey school criticised for banning yellow ribbons
Parents claim double standards and antisemitism over banned Israeli symbols at school fair
A high school in New Jersey is facing criticism for allegedly banning yellow ribbons meant to honour Israeli hostages taken by Hamas at a club fair. This decision has been described as “deeply offensive” and “blatant antisemitism”.
Fair Lawn High School also disallowed Israeli flags at the event, citing their political nature, according to parents and the group StopAntisemitism. In contrast, members of the Muslim Student Association were permitted to display a keffiyeh, a traditional Middle Eastern headdress, as reported by the New York Post.
The event was partially aimed at promoting a trip to Israel. StopAntisemitism founder Liora Rez criticised the school’s actions, calling them “an alarming case of hypocrisy and blatant antisemitism.” She argued that this incident violated Jewish students’ rights to express their identity and humanitarian concerns. Fair Lawn, located about 17 miles from New York City, has a Jewish population of 33% to 40% among its 35,000 residents.
Fair Lawn High, NJ – during last week’s multicultural fair, Jewish students were told they weren’t allowed to display yellow ribbons because they were “too political”.
But keffiyehs at the Muslim students’ table? No problem!
More from the NY Post here: https://t.co/B6QBKMRpiU
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) October 7, 2024
This controversy follows the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas on Israel, which resulted in military retaliation and an ongoing conflict in the Middle East. During the attacks, over 250 people, including Americans, were taken hostage by Hamas. Some have been released, rescued, or killed, but many remain in captivity.
A parent expressed ongoing concerns about alleged antisemitism within the school district.
Adi Vaxman, founder and president of Operation Israel, which offers humanitarian relief to Israel, stated that the incident was part of a longstanding pattern of antisemitism that parents have been combating for years. Despite numerous meetings with the school board and superintendent, promises to address antisemitism have not been fulfilled. Vaxman’s daughter Maya attends the school.
Vaxman found the administrator’s classification of the yellow hostage ribbon as political deeply offensive and unacceptable. She noted a perceived double standard, pointing out that the black-and-white keffiyeh, which she described as a symbol of armed resistance against Israelis, was allowed to be displayed at the event.
She argued that this double standard reveals a bias within the school’s administration. Vaxman also criticised the school for supporting the Muslim Student Association’s Palestinian identity while censoring the Israeli flag for the Jewish Student Union.
Fair Lawn High Principal Paul Gorski defended the school’s actions, stating that both the Muslim Student Association and the Jewish Student Union were asked to modify items not originally part of their displays. He emphasised that both groups received the same instructions and were treated equally. No students faced disciplinary action related to their participation in the club fair.
Gorski highlighted the school’s involvement in the Anti-Defamation League’s “No Place for Hate” initiative, noting that the school received a Gold Star distinction from the group earlier in the year. He reaffirmed the school’s commitment to creating an inclusive community and condemning antisemitism. The school plans to engage in dialogue with students and the community once they return after the Jewish holidays.
Despite these assurances, Vaxman insists that the school discriminated against Jewish students at the club fair. She called for concrete actions to combat antisemitism and ensure true equality for all students, stating that the school’s current response falls short.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AOL reports a New Jersey high school accused of banning yellow ribbons symbolizing support for Israeli hostages, sparking allegations of blatant antisemitism during a club fair.(read more)
- Newstral reports a New Jersey high school allegedly banned yellow ribbons honoring Israeli hostages, sparking accusations of antisemitism and offense.(read more)
- Klal Govoah aims to leverage technology to enhance Jewish communal practices, facilitating mitzvos through innovative digital solutions, emphasizing community engagement and accessibility.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why did Fair Lawn High School ban yellow ribbons at the club fair?
Administrators believed the yellow ribbons were too political.
Were Israeli flags also banned at the event?
Yes, Israeli flags were prohibited because they were considered too political.
What did critics say about the ban on yellow ribbons?
Critics called the ban ‘deeply offensive’ and ‘blatant antisemitism.’
Did the Muslim Student Association face any restrictions?
The Muslim Student Association was allowed to display a keffiyeh.
What is the school’s stance on antisemitism?
The school condemns antisemitism and claims to promote an inclusive community.
