Jewish families call on NYC schools to ban keffiyehs, say they are ‘hate’ symbols

The explosion of anti-Semitic hate since Israel began its military operation to purge Gaza of the Hamas terror organization has led some Jewish New York City parents and students to urge the banning of keffiyehs.

Reverberations from the barbaric massacre of over 1,200 Israelis in civilian areas last October have broken out domestically as leftists and Hamas sympathizers have united to harass and persecute American Jews, with the worst effects taking place in New York City, a bastion of lawlessness under Democrats.

With the summer break now over and kids back at school, members of a group formed to help New York residents fight back against Empire State anti-Semitism is urging people to email city and school officials to ban the checkered Muslim garments which are often used as face coverings that they see as “intimidating and frightening” to Jews and a symbol of “hate and violence.”

New York United in Fighting Antisemitism called for pressure to be applied to New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Schools Chancellor Chancellor David Banks, and United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew to outlaw the keffiyehs, according to the New York Post.

“The keffiyehs worn in school and at school events are not merely cultural garments, they have been adopted as symbols in response to the slaughter of Jews on Oct. 7,” the email says, according to the outlet.

“This symbol is prominently displayed at protests where chants, slogans, and signs openly call for the death of Israel and Jews,” according to the group’s members, referring to the hateful atmosphere that has been egged on by leftists, including Democrat members of Congress.

“Our schools must remain places of neutrality, respect, and safety for all students and staff, free from symbols that incite hatred and violence,” the email read.

The group’s request sparked a strong reaction from X users.

According to the New York Post, “The city Department of Education’s dress code specifically allows for ‘headwear worn for religious observance’ as well as ‘headscarves.’ It prohibits attire that includes references that “discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, religious practices, ethnicity, national origin” and other characteristics.”

“We are also committed to providing supportive and inclusive learning environments while protecting First Amendment rights,” DOE spokesman Nathaniel Styer is quoted by the outlet. “If there is a complaint, we assess the case and make a determination on next steps based on the facts.”

Chris Donaldson

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