Alex Borenstein: Teaching Schoolchildren that ‘America is a Terrorist State’
(Alex Bornenstein Twitter, via Canary Mission)
A shocking revelation has emerged about Alex Borenstein, a teachers’ union official affiliated with the National Education Association. According to records reviewed by the Washington Free Beacon, Borenstein was arrested in Denver for causing a major disruption during a prominent Jewish conference. This incident highlights the concerning rise of anti-Israel sentiment infiltrating American K-12 schools, not just college campuses.
Borenstein, who proudly identifies as a communist, serves as a northeast director for the Denver Classroom Teachers Association, representing over 4,000 public school teachers in the city. He also acts as a union liaison for educators at more than 30 Denver-area schools, including several elementary schools.
But Borenstein’s arrest is just the tip of the iceberg. Instances of anti-Israel and anti-Semitic incidents in schools are becoming alarmingly common. For example, a liberal school board president in upstate New York propagated the debunked anti-Semitic trope that Jews are responsible for the slave trade. In Massachusetts, a public school district distributed a resource claiming that “Israeli terrorism” has historically been worse than that of the Palestinians.
It is no surprise that Borenstein has a long history of making anti-Israel statements. He even expressed support for Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel, advocating for the liberation of Palestine “by any means necessary.” Borenstein has also defended Rep. Ilhan Omar’s controversial remarks about American support for Israel, going as far as calling Israel an “apartheid state.”
As a union representative for teachers at 30 public schools in Denver, Borenstein is deeply involved in the union’s political advocacy efforts. He has been seen endorsing Democratic candidates for school board positions and advocating for solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Prior to his union role, Borenstein worked as a social studies teacher in a Denver-area public school. During his teaching days, he openly taught his students that America is a “terrorist state” and expressed frustration about displaying the American flag in his classroom.
Despite his arrest and controversial views, Borenstein remains an influential figure within the Denver Classroom Teachers Association. The union has not provided any comment on the matter.
Borenstein and a group of anti-Israel protesters, organized by Jewish Voice for Peace, disrupted the Global Conference for Israel in Denver by forming a human chain reinforced with metal wire. Their actions aimed to block traffic and draw attention to their demands for a permanent Israeli ceasefire. However, conference attendees, including Israel’s U.N. ambassador, remained resolute in their commitment to self-defense and rejected the protesters’ calls for a ceasefire.
What actions can school administrations take to create a safe learning environment and address incidents of anti-Israel or anti-Semitic behavior
Common across the United States. From middle schools to high schools, students are being exposed to a distorted view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Israel often painted as the aggressor and oppressor, while the Palestinians are portrayed solely as victims.
This skewed narrative is not only misleading but also dangerous. It undermines the historical and geopolitical complexities of the conflict, perpetuating an atmosphere of hostility and resentment towards Israel and its supporters. The demonization of Israel leads to the creation of an environment where anti-Semitism can flourish, posing a threat to Jewish students and faculty members.
Alex Borenstein’s arrest is a wakeup call for the American education system. It highlights the urgent need for action to address the growing anti-Israel sentiment in K-12 schools. Teachers, administrators, and parents must be vigilant about the materials and ideologies being introduced in classrooms. It is crucial to promote a balanced and accurate understanding of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that encourages open dialogue and critical thinking.
The role of teachers’ unions, such as the National Education Association, in combating anti-Israel sentiment cannot be understated. These unions have a responsibility to ensure that their members are promoting an inclusive and respectful learning environment. By tolerating or even endorsing individuals like Borenstein, they contribute to the normalization of anti-Israel attitudes within the education community.
Furthermore, it is imperative that educators receive proper training and resources to navigate sensitive topics, such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. At present, many teachers lack the necessary knowledge and tools to teach about this complex issue in a fair and impartial manner. Providing professional development opportunities and access to reliable educational materials can help bridge this gap and foster a more nuanced understanding among students.
Additionally, school administrations must take swift and decisive action when incidents of anti-Israel or anti-Semitic behavior occur on their premises. Effective disciplinary measures should be implemented to ensure that students who engage in hate speech or discriminatory actions face appropriate consequences. This sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and helps create a safe learning environment for all students.
In conclusion, the case of Alex Borenstein serves as a stark reminder of the insidious infiltration of anti-Israel sentiment into American K-12 schools. It calls for a united effort from all stakeholders – educators, administrators, parents, and unions – to combat this concerning trend. By promoting accurate and balanced education, fostering open dialogue, and swiftly addressing instances of hate and discrimination, we can create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and respect for all.
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