NYC parents pull children from public schools amid rising antisemitism after Oct. 7

After the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, a wave of Jewish families in New York City has removed their children from public schools, blaming educators for promoting anti-Zionist views they equate with antisemitism. Parents such as Josh Horowitz and Natalya Murakhver recount classroom content that portrays Israel negatively without context and a rapid increase in hostile language. The Teach Coalition reports a roughly 2% rise in K-12 enrollment at Jewish schools for the 2025-26 year, while Prizmah’s survey finds 60% of new enrollees would not have switched without the war.

Controversial incidents include Brooklyn teacher Damien Nevin praising the Oct. 7 mastermind and social-studies teacher George Trim advancing 9/11 conspiracy theories. United Jewish Teachers documented at least 250 antisemitic or anti-Israeli incidents in the city’s public system since the attack. Admissions consultant Alina Adams says inquiries about Jewish-friendly school environments have doubled or tripled, reflecting heightened anxiety among families.