Jen Curley, a special education instructor at Ithaca School District in New York, has been facing backlash for her antisemitic remarks on social media. Curley, who has been working at the district since 2018, posted several hateful messages on Facebook and Twitter, targeting Jewish people and Israel.
What did Jen Curley say?
Jen Curley’s antisemitic posts were first exposed by a local activist group, Ithaca Against Antisemitism, who shared screenshots of her comments on their website. Some of the posts included:
- “Jews are not a race. They are a religion. A religion that has caused more wars and deaths than any other in history.”
- “Israel is a terrorist state that should be wiped off the map. They are committing genocide against the Palestinians and stealing their land.”
- “The Holocaust is a hoax. There is no evidence that six million Jews were killed by the Nazis. It’s all propaganda to justify Israel’s crimes.”
- “Jews control the media, the banks, and the government. They are behind every evil in the world. They are the enemy of humanity.”
Curley also shared links to antisemitic websites and videos, such as The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a notorious forgery that claims a Jewish plot to dominate the world.
How did people react to Jen Curley’s remarks?
Curley’s remarks sparked outrage and condemnation from various groups and individuals, including:
- The Ithaca School District issued a statement saying that they were “deeply disturbed and appalled” by Curley’s posts and that they had launched an investigation into the matter. The district also said that they were committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff and that they did not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.
- The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading organization fighting antisemitism and hate, called Jen Jen’s posts “abhorrent and unacceptable” and urged the district to take swift and appropriate action. The ADL also offered to provide educational resources and training to the district and the community on how to combat antisemitism and hate.
- The Jewish Federation of Greater Ithaca expressed its shock and dismay at Curley’s posts and thanked the district and the ADL for their responses. The federation also said that it was working with local partners to provide support and guidance to the Jewish community and the broader public.
- The Ithaca Teachers Association, which represents the teachers and staff of the district, denounced Jen’s posts as “repugnant and reprehensible” and said that they did not reflect the values or views of the association or its members. The association also said that it supported the district’s investigation and the ADL’s efforts to educate and prevent antisemitism and hate.
- The Ithaca community, which showed its solidarity and support for the Jewish community and the victims of antisemitism and hate. Several local groups and individuals organized rallies, vigils, and petitions to condemn Curley’s posts and to call for her removal from the district. Many also expressed their love and appreciation for the Jewish community and the diversity of Ithaca.
“The world is sooooooo over the Israeli victims stories. You should be embarrassed to even bring that up.” – Jen Curley, special education instructor at the Ithaca School District.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) December 28, 2023
We are appalled to see a professional in such a position express such disregard and callous for… pic.twitter.com/P3yQwgt5lv
What is the status of Jen Curley’s case?
As of December 29, 2023, Jen Curley’s case is still under investigation by the district and the authorities. According to the district’s statement, She has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. The district also said that it was cooperating with the local police and the FBI, who were looking into the possibility of criminal charges against Curley.
Jen has not issued any public apology or explanation for her posts and has deleted or deactivated her social media accounts. She has also not responded to any requests for comment from the media or the public.
Why is antisemitism a serious problem?
Antisemitism, or the hatred and discrimination of Jewish people, is a serious problem that affects not only the Jewish community but also the society at large. Antisemitism can manifest in various ways, such as:
- Physical violence and threats, such as assaults, vandalism, arson, and murder
- Verbal abuse and harassment, such as insults, slurs, and bullying
- Online hate and misinformation, such as trolling, doxing, and conspiracy theories
- Institutional discrimination and bias, such as exclusion, denial, and scapegoating
Antisemitism can have devastating consequences for the victims, such as:
- Psychological trauma and stress, such as fear, anxiety, and depression
- Physical injury and illness, such as wounds, infections, and chronic diseases
- Social isolation and alienation, such as loss of friends, family, and community
- Economic hardship and loss, such as damage, theft, and unemployment
Antisemitism can also undermine the values and principles of democracy, human rights, and pluralism, such as:
- Freedom of religion and expression, such as the right to practice and share one’s beliefs
- Equality and justice, such as the right to be treated fairly and impartially
- Diversity and inclusion, such as the right to be respected and valued for one’s identity and culture
- Peace and cooperation, such as the right to live and work in harmony and collaboration
How can we fight antisemitism and hate?
Fighting antisemitism and hate is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement and action of everyone, including:
- Individuals, who can educate themselves and others about the history and reality of antisemitism and hate, and who can speak up and stand up against them whenever they encounter them
- Communities, that can foster a culture of respect and acceptance for all people, and that can support and protect the victims of antisemitism and hate
- Organizations, that can implement policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion, and who can monitor and report incidents of antisemitism and hate
- Governments, who can enact and enforce laws and regulations that prohibit and punish antisemitism and hate, and who can provide resources and assistance to the affected groups and individuals
Conclusion
Jen Curley is a special education instructor at Ithaca School District who has been slammed for her antisemitic remarks on social media. Her posts have sparked outrage and condemnation from various groups and individuals, and have triggered an investigation by the district and the authorities. Her case is an example of the rising problem of antisemitism and hate in the world, and the need for more awareness and action to combat them. By working together, we can create a safer and better society for everyone.
