New York City Mayor Eric Adams has strongly condemned an incident of antisemitism at Hillcrest High School in Queens. City officials are investigating the disturbing events that led to the temporary closure of the school on Monday.
The incident unfolded after students discovered that a teacher had attended a pro-Israel rally. Reacting to a Facebook photo of the teacher holding a sign that read, “I stand with Israel,” students organized a protest that escalated into a riot. The teacher sought refuge in a locked office as students reportedly rampaged through the school’s halls.
Mayor Adams characterized the incident as a “vile show of antisemitism” driven by ignorance-fueled hatred. He emphasized that such behavior will not be tolerated in any city school or elsewhere in the city. The mayor expressed concern over the safety of students, teachers, and staff, emphasizing that no one should fear for their safety in school.
The NYC Public Schools has initiated a full investigation into the incident, and Project Pivot teams will engage with Hillcrest students to ensure they understand the unacceptability of such behavior. Mayor Adams reaffirmed the commitment to addressing antisemitism and fostering a safe learning environment.
The incident at Hillcrest High School reflects a broader trend of increased antisemitic incidents, particularly since the October 7th attack by Hamas terrorists on Israel. The mayor’s response underscores the city’s determination to combat antisemitism and create an inclusive and safe educational environment.
