Petition launched to cancel Northampton High School training with Project Shema

Nearly 500 community members have signed a petition urging Northampton High School to cancel its professional development training with Project Shema, an organization focused on addressing antisemitism. The petition, initiated by parents and staff, expresses concerns that Project Shema conflates antisemitic remarks with criticism of Israel and support for Palestine. It argues that the training could endorse harmful narratives about Palestinians and Arabs, suggesting that it aligns with the Anti-Defamation League, which has faced criticism for its stance on social justice movements. In response to the petition, Superintendent Portia Bonner explained that the training was prompted by incidents of unintentional antisemitism experienced by students during pro-Palestine walkouts. Bonner emphasized the need for educational initiatives that address both antisemitism and Islamophobia, aiming to create a safe environment for all students affected by global conflicts. Supporters of the petition, including Jewish Voices for Peace Western Mass, have called for a training program that presents the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from a Palestinian perspective. They argue that organizations like Project Shema and the ADL conflate legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism, thereby silencing anti-Zionist voices. The petitioners assert that the education provided by Project Shema misdefines antisemitism, potentially harming both Jewish and Palestinian communities. They highlight the importance of accurately addressing hate speech and actions against Jews while also recognizing the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, advocating for a balanced approach that honors the rights and traumas of both peoples.