The PAT has their narrow agenda. If they really cared about the people of Gaza, they would have been protesting against Hamas's horrific rule years ago. The only reason they are yelling for the Palestinians now is that this is their opportunity to condemn Israel.
I ask the PAT – Why is this your focus? Aren’t there other issues in PPS for you to address? How do you think many Jewish students and teachers will respond to this narrative, especially being told that they are settler colonialists focused on hurting Palestinians? What will you do when parents and teachers demand classes on Zionism and the history of the State of Israel? I have heard too many times from the PAT – teachers want to teach “the truth” about Palestine.
Is this the “truth” you are proposing?
This is an effort by the teachers’ union to promote what many feel is a biased and historically revisionist curriculum. The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland received numerous complaints from Jewish PPS teachers, parents, and even elected officials about the meeting and the materials. Sadly, the PAT continues to engage in and lead anti-Israel activism.
We need to make our voices heard!
Send an email to PAT President Angela Bonilla
and share your thoughts!
Last week, the Jewish Federation held a webinar with the Brandeis Center for K-12 parents to better understand antisemitism and these types of curricular concerns in our schools. In many ways it was a response to the PAT actions.
As a follow-up, we are creating K-12 parent advocacy groups. There will be a launch meeting on Monday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m. at Congregation Neveh Shalom. Hear from our JCRC team as they share how they respond to incidents in schools and advocate on behalf of the Jewish community at the district level. Attendees will divide into district-specific networks to brainstorm and discuss the best ways to advocate and respond in our individual communities. Register here.
Finally, earlier this week, Harvard University announced that the school will refrain from taking official positions on controversial public policy issues. (Maybe a little late?) The University’s new stance followed a report produced from a faculty-led “Institutional Voice” working group, which advised leadership not to “issue official statements about public matters that do not directly affect the university’s core function.”
Why can’t groups like the PAT, Oregon Food Bank, and so many others follow Harvard’s lead and focus solely on their core mission and work?
Shabbat shalom and contact the PAT.
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