A Brooklyn middle school principal has denied a request from a parent to have a Holocaust survivor speak to students about combating antisemitism, citing concerns over the speaker’s pro-Israel views.
The principal of MS 447 in Boerum Hill, Arin Rusch, wrote to a parent on November 18 stating that Sami Steigmann, an 85-year-old who survived Nazi labor camps during World War II, would not be “right” for the school. Steigmann’s online bio and lectures emphasize his support for Israel and the Jewish state’s right to defend itself against groups like Hamas.
Rusch expressed reservations about Steigmann in her communication with the parent: “In looking at his website material, I also don’t think that Sami’s presentation is right for our public school setting, given his messages around Israel and Palestine.”
The New York Post reported this incident on Tuesday. While Steigmann himself has not addressed the specific conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas terrorist groups in his home page bio or introductory lectures, he promotes joining StandWithUs—an international organization dedicated to inspiring support for Israel.
Despite these online reservations from principal Rusch, she assured that topics related to the Holocaust would still be welcomed at the school: “I’d love to explore other speakers… and lectures about the Holocaust and combating antisemitism are still welcome.”
Mayor Eric Adams’ office echoed similar sentiments in defending the principal’s decision. A City Hall spokesperson told the Post, “While this speaker wasn’t the right fit for our educational mission regarding historical lessons on genocide prevention, we remain committed to ensuring future opportunities exist where living testimonies from history can inform young minds about preventing such evil today.”
The denial sparked criticism from community members concerned about viewpoint discrimination. Vernikov highlighted the sensitivity: “Not only does this decision seem inappropriate when considering how crucial it is now that antisemitism among youth seems particularly high, but by any standard ethical or educational one would question its appropriateness especially concerning a survivor.”
