Teachers union considers numerous anti-Israel resolutions at annual convention

Randi Weingarten, president of American Federation of Teachers, speaks to reporters at the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington on Sept. 13, 2023. Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images.

(JNS) — At its upcoming convention in Houston, which begins on July 22, the American Federation of Teachers plans to vote on several anti-Israel resolutions, including those that oppose “weaponization” of Jew-hatred, and advocate divestment from Israeli bonds and halting U.S. military aid to Israel.

“These resolutions not only marginalize our Jewish students, families and staff but also contribute to an environment of fear and hostility in our schools,” said Tova Plaut, founder of the New York City Public School Alliance.

“By targeting Zionism and falsely equating it with colonialism and racism, these resolutions promote a dangerous narrative that fuels discrimination and hatred against Jews,” added Plaut, whose organization — along with StandWithUs, Educators Caucus for Israel and Partners for Equality and Educational Responsibility in K-12 — condemned the resolutions.

Amy Leserman, chair of the Educators Caucus for Israel, said that “it is astounding that AFT leadership has allowed this, and so many other, blatantly bigoted resolutions to move forward, when they are clearly motivated by values contrary to the purpose of the AFT.”