To allies of the jewish community and fellow jewish community members:
Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, was a watershed moment for many of us. It made clear that antisemitism has not only persisted but has been allowed to grow and fester in our society, too often met with silence, denial, or even acceptance. For many in the Jewish community, it was a painful awakening to the reality that some friends and allies, whom we had stood beside in the fight against all forms of hatred, did not stand with us when we needed them most.
We now face a critical challenge: confronting the spread of antisemitism, especially in areas that directly affect our children, our K-12 schools.
One deeply concerning development is the Massachusetts Teachers Association’s promotion of curriculum materials that contain antisemitic elements. We’ve seen similar narratives take root on college campuses, turning them into hostile environments for Jewish students. We cannot allow this pattern to infect our schools.
Even here in Marblehead, we’ve seen troubling incidents:
- An Israeli flag was removed without authorization.
- Jewish teachers were harassed for supporting Israel.
- Antisemitic epithets are hurled at Jewish students
- Our high school’s curriculum on Jewish history is alarmingly inaccurate.
- The recent antisemitism investigation concluded with an “inconclusive” result — an unacceptable failure to address the reality Jewish students and staff face.
This is why electing strong, principled leadership to our School Committee is more important than ever. We need members who are willing to face the hard truths, speak out clearly, and take action to ensure all students, including Jewish students, are protected and respected.
That is why I am proud to give my full and enthusiastic support to Emily DeJoy for Marblehead School Committee.
Emily has stood with the Jewish community from day one. She was the only new candidate to publicly express concern about flying the Black Lives Matter (BLM) flag in schools due to the antisemitic stances taken by the national BLM organization. She understands that advocating for one group should never come at the expense of another.
Emily recognizes that today’s modern iteration of antisemitism presents as antizionism and she supports the IHRA definition of antisemitism, which includes this modern reality. She has also condemned the MTA’s curriculum that risks creating a discriminatory atmosphere for Jewish students.
I have personally asked Emily where she stands on these issues. Her responses were clear, thoughtful, and deeply reassuring. I am confident that if elected, she will serve as a respectful, principled, and courageous advocate for all students. She understands that inclusivity means standing up for Jewish students, too.
To those who want to be allies of the Jewish community, to make the future safer for Jewish students, ask the other candidates the same questions I asked Emily. Their answers, or lack thereof, will reveal who truly understands what is at stake.
We have seen the consequences of ignoring antisemitism. We must no longer give a pass to those unwilling to take a firm, principled stand.
Please join me in voting for Emily DeJoy for Marblehead School Committee on June 10.
Karen Tal-Makhluf
