The NYC Department of Education has sent educators a lengthy list of websites with information for class discussion on the war, including some that are strongly biased against Israel, the Jewish state.

The Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center cannot stand by quietly. As an institution committed to promoting tolerance, empathy and education, we firmly believe in the importance of providing accurate and balanced information to students. It is crucial to recognize that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a complex issue with many dimensions. However, it is equally important to ensure that the information presented to students is based on reliable and unbiased sources.

There are not always two sides to every story. Terrorism is never justified and this past week’s actions by Hamas, including beheadings, raping of women, murder of babies and much more are simply indefensible. HMTC rejects the use of any teaching materials or resources that perpetuate misinformation or promote hate speech as it undermines the safety and well-being of our community.

As an educational institution rooted in the lessons of the Holocaust, HMTC remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting tolerance, understanding, and empathy. We demand that the New York City DOE ensures that all teaching materials and resources provided to educators align with these principles, fostering an environment where students can learn and grow without prejudice.

Bernard Furshpan

HMTC board member

Glen Cove