Kesher Talk

Antisemitism watch update. Several weeks ago I posted about a Wahabi attempt to infiltrate a public school system in Arizona with distorted history about Islam and Judaism. A friend of mine exchanged letters with the relevant authorities and gave me permission to post the correspondence:

Dear Educators,

I am writing to express my profound dismay at your potential adoption of the "History Alive" textbook in your school system. This distorted anti-Israel propanda would be an unforgiveable disservice to your students, who deserve a real education in this important topic.

As a child of Holocaust survivors, I know how vital is it to protest against anti-Semitic propaganda propagated by the state.

Do not abrogate your responsibility as educators. Many people are watching to see if you act as true educators who value the minds of the children you serve, or as anti-Semitic propagandists.

Sincerely,
XXXXX

Dear Ms. XXXXX,

The district will undertake a review of these supplementary materials, which were essentially purchased by parent groups & donated to the schools in question. There may also be a school piloting the series as part of the upcoming social studies adoption.

I have asked the Rabbi Emeritus at my synagogue to review the materials and provide me with an opinion on whether the book is offensive to members of the Jewish faith.

If he finds the curriculum to be anti-Semitic, I will ask the Board to direct the Superintendent to remove the materials from our schools.

Best wishes,

Christine Schild
Scottsdale USD Governing Board President
Scottsdale Neighborhood Enhancement Commission member
H: 480/515-2709
C: 480/220-5149

Ms. XXXX,
Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns to the Governing Board. I am forwarding your remarks to Mrs. Katy Cavanagh, who oversees curriculum, as she can best address them.
Again, thank you for your time and interest.
Jennifer Petersen

We'll see what happens. My only caveat is that the issue is not whether these materials are "offensive," it's whether they are accurate. They aren't.

posted by Judith @ 3/16/2005 09:26:00 AM