While disclosing that he is “Jewish and an ardent Zionist” Newton TAB Editor Andy Levin adds his voice to those who were “terribly upset” by Charles Jacobs’ and allies’ behavior at last week‘s forum.
… they angered many residents, Jews and non-Jews alike, and turned what was supposed to have been a unifying event into a confrontation. Now, a week later, we are no closer to understanding why there has been an apparent spate of anti-Semitic graffiti by students, or even determining whether the Arab-Israeli conflict could be more fairly presented in the high schools.
…To accuse city officials of downplaying anti-Semitism, as some in attendance did, was incredibly selfish. Hissing the black woman whose son was called the “N” word…. well, that was the lowest point of the evening.
I was happy to see Andy condemn the behavior of the activists although I’m not sure I agree that the event “might serve a greater good.” (Disclosure: I did not attend but I have watched the video.)
Where I really disagree with Andy, though, is his contention that “NPS should re-evaluate the materials used in its Middle East curriculum.” My understanding is that this has been done.
I was happy to see Andy condemn the behavior of the activists although I’m not sure I agree that the event “might serve a greater good.” (Disclosure: I did not attend but I have watched the video.)
Where I really disagree with Andy, though, is his contention that “NPS should re-evaluate the materials used in its Middle East curriculum.” My understanding is that this has been done.
Again I disagree with Andy. He too, as have other journalists, has totally missed the point which is the city, the ADL representative and Newton Schools are moving forward toward bringing our community together in constructive ways. To be more understanding of the diverse population in our schools and hopefully in our city. To be as concerned about the slights against others as we are of those against ourselves.
The students, parents and teachers who spoke at the meeting have laid a good foundation; it just needs to expand and continue.
Stop listening to the noise so you can hear the voices.
Again I disagree with Andy. He too, as have other journalists, has totally missed the point which is the city, the ADL representative and Newton Schools are moving forward toward bringing our community together in constructive ways. To be more understanding of the diverse population in our schools and hopefully in our city. To be as concerned about the slights against others as we are of those against ourselves.
The students, parents and teachers who spoke at the meeting have laid a good foundation; it just needs to expand and continue.
Stop listening to the noise so you can hear the voices.
Gail, it “might” serve a greater good “in the long run.” If the meeting is measured alone, I agree it didn’t accomplish all that much because it was disrupted by a demonstration. If it marks the beginning of an ongoing conversation, where residents can provide input about how to deal with incidents of racism, anti-Semitism etc., it could be seen in a more positive light.
As for the curriculum, “it is what it is” (to quote a coaching genius). And I am not terribly troubled by the course material. Yes, some texts were eliminated, including the controversial “Arab World Studies Notebook.” That was a few years ago, however, and under some public pressure. I do think it would be a good move for the school department to evaluate the materials again (more extensively than is typical for such a review). Whether some texts should be replaced… I don’t know. But I wouldn’t want something to emerge that would add fuel to the fire, creating more outbursts like the one we saw last week.
Gail, it “might” serve a greater good “in the long run.” If the meeting is measured alone, I agree it didn’t accomplish all that much because it was disrupted by a demonstration. If it marks the beginning of an ongoing conversation, where residents can provide input about how to deal with incidents of racism, anti-Semitism etc., it could be seen in a more positive light.
As for the curriculum, “it is what it is” (to quote a coaching genius). And I am not terribly troubled by the course material. Yes, some texts were eliminated, including the controversial “Arab World Studies Notebook.” That was a few years ago, however, and under some public pressure. I do think it would be a good move for the school department to evaluate the materials again (more extensively than is typical for such a review). Whether some texts should be replaced… I don’t know. But I wouldn’t want something to emerge that would add fuel to the fire, creating more outbursts like the one we saw last week.
Marti: Get to the point please.
Marti: Get to the point please.
Andy-the point “is the city, the ADL representative and Newton Schools are moving forward toward bringing our community together in constructive ways.”
Andy-the point “is the city, the ADL representative and Newton Schools are moving forward toward bringing our community together in constructive ways.”
” the city, the ADL representative and Newton Schools are moving forward toward bringing our community together in constructive ways.”
I do not disagree with this statement at all.
” the city, the ADL representative and Newton Schools are moving forward toward bringing our community together in constructive ways.”
I do not disagree with this statement at all.
Thanks Jane. It seemed to me the “point,” as you point out, was quite clear.
Thanks Jane. It seemed to me the “point,” as you point out, was quite clear.
So….what did I write or say that contradicted Marti’s “point”? Still waiting for an answer, with all due respect.
So….what did I write or say that contradicted Marti’s “point”? Still waiting for an answer, with all due respect.
Andy, It’s pretty obvious.
It’s not “moving forward bringing our community together” when giving credence to the devisive propaganda being promoted by discredited protestors.
You said,
“Now, a week later, we are no closer to … even determining whether the Arab-Israeli conflict could be more fairly presented in the high schools.” That is the epitome of moving backward when an investigation was completed just 3 years ago.
Andy, It’s pretty obvious.
It’s not “moving forward bringing our community together” when giving credence to the devisive propaganda being promoted by discredited protestors.
You said,
“Now, a week later, we are no closer to … even determining whether the Arab-Israeli conflict could be more fairly presented in the high schools.” That is the epitome of moving backward when an investigation was completed just 3 years ago.
Marti: Thanks for clarifying.
I strongly agree with you that APT and its splinter PENS both cherry pick facts and employ divisive rhetoric. They are playing politics with education. I don’t like it and have told them so.
“Determining whether the Arab-Israeli conflict could be more fairly presented” or my suggestion that NPS would be wise to take an honest look at the Middle East curriculum is not meant to imply the district is doing anything wrong now, as the protestors claim. But a fresh, thorough review of the materials couldn’t hurt, especially because the Middle East is a very different place now than it was even a few years ago.
Is the district doing anything wrong? I don’t think so. Could it do better…?
Marti: Thanks for clarifying.
I strongly agree with you that APT and its splinter PENS both cherry pick facts and employ divisive rhetoric. They are playing politics with education. I don’t like it and have told them so.
“Determining whether the Arab-Israeli conflict could be more fairly presented” or my suggestion that NPS would be wise to take an honest look at the Middle East curriculum is not meant to imply the district is doing anything wrong now, as the protestors claim. But a fresh, thorough review of the materials couldn’t hurt, especially because the Middle East is a very different place now than it was even a few years ago.
Is the district doing anything wrong? I don’t think so. Could it do better…?