F–k the Jews! Free Palestine!” Scrawled in Blood Red Ink at Kings Highway Academy in Midwood
Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a troubling incident at P.S. 197 – The Kings Highway Academy in Midwood, Brooklyn, a piece of hateful anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered, starkly illustrating the growing concerns about anti-Semitism in educational settings amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. According to a report on Wednesday in The New York Post, the graffiti, written in blood-red ink on a white wall near an outdoor chess table, bore the message: “F–k the Jews. Free Palestine.” This distressing statement was brought to public attention through a post on the social media platform X by local Councilwoman Inna Vernikov on Wednesday, the Post report said.
This graffiti at P.S. 197 is part of a troubling rise in anti-Semitic incidents in New York City, which has historically been home to one of the largest Jewish communities outside of Israel.
This incident did not stand alone in the broader context but came into the spotlight during a congressional hearing that same day, which questioned Schools Chancellor David Banks about his handling of escalating anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. Facing a panel of 14 lawmakers, Chancellor Banks defended his administration’s actions, asserting a proactive stance against all forms of hate within the school system. According to the information provided in the Post report, he said, “I can’t state that I can prevent every incident from ever happening, but … once it is brought to our attention … we respond in an appropriate fashion.” His testimony highlighted ongoing efforts to combat hate, claiming, “New York City public schools have been aggressive in fighting hate wherever it has reared its ugly head.”
Following her initial exposure of the graffiti, Brooklyn Councilwoman Vernikov updated her audience on X, crediting public pressure and media attention with spurring a swift response from authorities. As per the information in the Post report, she noted that the New York City Department of Education, in coordination with the NYPD, was actively investigating the incident to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences.
In her communications, Vernikov expressed gratitude for the fast action but also emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance and accountability, reflecting a broader concern about the climate in educational institutions. “Let’s hope this also translates into swift action and accountability for students and teachers who violate DOE’s policies and code of conduct,” Vernikov noted, according to the report in the Post.
A spokesperson from the New York City Department of Education (DOE) reiterated the system’s stance against hate, stating, “Hate has no place at New York City Public Schools, and we condemn all acts of anti-Semitism and discrimination of any kind, which is why this disturbing incident was immediately reported, removed, and is currently under investigation,” the Post reported.
The significant uptick in anti-Semitic incidents in NYC schools follows the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict from October 7, which has seen a ripple effect in local communities. As was detailed in the Post report, among the notable events were a rampage by students at Hillcrest High School, which resulted in a Jewish teacher seeking refuge in a locked office for hours, and a citywide student walkout demanding a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Additionally, the Post reported that severe allegations of virulent anti-Semitism at Brooklyn’s Origins High School have surfaced, marking a terrifying trend of hatred and intolerance infiltrating educational settings.
