To the editor:
I am not a teacher, but my children attend schools in Marblehead. I, too, have “committed my life towards fighting for justice and equality for all and analyzing global challenges.” I too teach my children about silent Holocausts like the one in Sudan or in Syria and the gender apartheid in the Middle East. That’s my record.
What you did to the Israeli flag or said to your coworkers is up to the investigative firm to decide. What I do care about and concerns me as a Marblehead resident is what you wrote in your article.
Here is the IHRA definition of antisemitism,
“Antisemitism is hatred toward Jews because they are Jews and is directed toward the Jewish religion and Jews individually or collectively. More recently, antisemitism has been manifested in the demonization of the State of Israel.
Antisemitism frequently charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity, and it is often used to blame Jews for “why things go wrong”. It is expressed in speech, writing, visual forms and action and employs sinister stereotypes and negative character traits. (It may also be manifested on people mistaken as Jews, or on non-Jews seen as sympathetic to Jews.)”
In addition to Governor Charlie Bakers’ endorsement of the IHRA definition in 2022, 30 states have already accepted the IHRA definition into law and six more are expected to pass the law this seating. It is not a controversial definition. Not at all. In fact, studies show it is accepted by the overwhelming majority of Jews, but more specifically the Jewish population of Marblehead which I am part of. Your objection to the way a minority defines its own standards for discrimination is out of place. I wonder if you would have the courage to go on record trying to debunk an African American’s definition of racism.
It is absolutely fine to criticize the actions of the Israeli government. I do it all the time. It is a completely different thing to claim outside forces of national and international magnitude are responsible for the discourse at the school and are using you as a scapegoat because of your excellent record with minorities.
That is literally demonizing the state of Israel, the Jews and more importantly, me, a resident of your community. This is why the IHRA definition was created, and this is why it is needed. I am not a part of any worldwide agenda; I live in Marblehead. I raise my children here.
Lastly, you ended your conspiracy theory by saying “This case will not deter me from continuing to be an ally to Jewish, Palestinian and other Arab and Muslim students and to all students who are marginalized by any form of racism.”
You’ve been a teacher since 1997, I’m sure you edited your guest column and looked over it a few times. Maybe some friends and loved ones helped. Have any of you noticed you did not write Israeli?
This means one of two things,
- You agree that Jews and Israelis are the same thing, therefor, your “criticism” of Israel can be expressed to any Jew.
- You omitted Israelis on purpose. You are not an ally to Israeli students.
Asaf Magen
West Shore Drive
