FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 13, 2024
BAY AREA, CA — This week, San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) canceled an antisemitism training for educators led by the American Jewish Committee (AJC), a Jewish organization fighting hate for more than a century.
JCRC Bay Area, AJC, ADL and Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund issued the following statement:
Ensuring SFUSD conducts antisemitism trainings for educators as planned — especially as the district is under a federal investigation for civil rights complaints — would avoid crossing a red line for the San Francisco Jewish community. SFUSD committed to hosting these trainings in response to a meteoric rise in antisemitic incidents following the October 7 attacks in Israel, and we are currently working with district leadership to see that they fulfill their commitment. We will not accept anything less than full inclusion and acceptance of Jewish students in one of the largest school districts in California. The trainings will help educators learn who the Jewish people are, what antisemitism is, and how to respond to the antisemitic hatred targeting students, teachers, and parents.
Our Jewish organizations, SFUSD parents and allies will work to confirm the district follows through on its commitment and these trainings take place. In addition, we will continue to address a broader set of issues to secure a sense of belonging for all students in the district, from reviewing ethnic studies curricula to removing harmful biases against Jews to impelling school leaders to enforce student codes of conduct when antisemitic incidents take place. These crucial steps will help end the barrage of attacks on our students that defined last school year and create a safe learning environment for all.
ABOUT JCRC
JCRC Bay Area is the largest collective voice of Bay Area Jews, working in pursuit of a more just world where Jewish identity is embraced and all people thrive. By building bridges and working in coalition with diverse ethnic, faith, political, and civic communities, we foster partnerships, provide meaningful educational and engagement opportunities, and build consensus for actionable solutions to real-world challenges. www.jcrc.org.
ABOUT AJC
AJC is the global advocacy organization for the Jewish people. With headquarters in New York, 25 regional offices across the United States, 15 overseas posts, as well as partnerships with 38 Jewish community organizations worldwide, AJC’s mission is to enhance the well-being of the Jewish people and Israel and to advance human rights and democratic values in the United States and around the world. For more, please visit www.ajc.org.
ABOUT ADL
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. www.adl.org
ABOUT JEWISH COMMUNITY FEDERATION AND ENDOWMENT FUND
For over a century, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund has harnessed innovation, collaboration, and investment to shape diverse and dynamic Bay Area Jewish communities where people find a meaningful connection to Judaism and one another; and where we work together to better lives and communities locally, in Israel, and around the world. Learn more at jewishfed.org.
