Introduction to the Controversy
The Beverly Hills Unified School District’s Board of Education will vote on a proposal to display the Israeli flag on all campuses and district facilities to recognize Jewish Heritage Month in May. The proposal is part of a resolution to combat antisemitism that also calls for educating students about Jewish history and commemorating Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah), International Holocaust Remembrance Day, and Oct. 7 as a Day of Remembrance of the 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel.
The Proposal and Its Implications
The resolution has sparked debate over whether it is appropriate to dedicate this much time and resources to recognizing a specific ethnic and religious group in a public school setting. It has also raised concerns that displaying the Israeli flag doesn’t simply signal support for the Jewish people but also represents support for the Israeli government and its actions in Gaza, where more than half a million people are living in famine amid the ongoing war. “This proposal conflates Jewish faith and identity with the political actions of a foreign government and undermines the inclusive and respectful environment that public schools are meant to foster for all students, regardless of their background,” said Hussam Ayloush, executive director of CAIR-LA in a statement.
Revisions and Support
All five members of the BHUSD Board of Education expressed their support for the resolution during an Aug. 5 meeting but decided to revise some of its wording before bringing it back for a vote this week. In particular, they changed phrasing saying that the purpose of displaying the Israeli flag is to signify support for the Jewish state to saying the purpose is to signify support for the Jewish community. Board member Russell Stuart said during the meeting that people have different opinions about whether it is possible to be against the country of Israel without being against the Jewish people, but he emphasized that the purpose of the resolution is to make Jewish students feel supported.
Public Opinion and Concerns
During the Aug. 5 meeting, public speaker Daniel Lifschitz said he supported the spirit of a resolution to combat antisemitism. However, he raised several concerns around its language, especially how it completely eliminates “any distinction between anti-Jewish and anti-Israel sentiment.” Andrea Grossman, who attended BHUSD schools and sent her three children to schools in the district, said she read the resolution with concern and dismay. “Beverly Hills is a public school district in a diverse city with more than one religion with more than one ethnic group,” Grossman said. “Your resolution would be appropriate in a Jewish day school, in a private school, not funded by taxpayer dollars.”
Backlash and Antisemitism
Another public commenter said it is unfair to focus so heavily on the atrocities faced by the Jewish people and not provide the same recognition to other persecuted groups like Armenians, Uyghurs, and Black people in the United States. Grossman also expressed fears about the backlash the resolution would generate. “It is my firm belief that this resolution will ignite rather than discourage antisemitism,” she said. On the other hand, Tal Lavi came out in strong support of the proposal, saying that as an Israeli American he specifically chose BHUSD because he felt that the district is a place where his three sons could feel safe to be Jewish.
The Rise of Antisemitism
The Anti-Defamation League reported 9,354 antisemitic incidents across the United States in 2024 — a 344% increase over the last five years and the highest number since the organization started tracking incidents in 1979. L.A. County saw a 91% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes from 2022 to 2023, the latest year for which data are available. Board members emphasized the importance of passing this resolution against this backdrop of hate. “This resolution affirms a commitment to educating about Jewish history, accurately remembering the tragedies the Jewish people have endured, and standing publicly against the growing darkness of antisemitism,” said board member Sigalie Sabag, “which make no mistake has reached a critical tipping point.”
Implementation and Display
A spokesperson for the district said in a statement that should the resolution pass the Israeli flags would not be mounted on a flag pole, but rather be displayed in different locations around campuses.
Conclusion
The proposal to display the Israeli flag in Beverly Hills public schools has sparked a heated debate about antisemitism, inclusivity, and the role of public schools in recognizing specific ethnic and religious groups. While supporters argue that the resolution is necessary to combat rising antisemitism and make Jewish students feel supported, opponents raise concerns about the potential backlash and the conflation of Jewish faith and identity with the political actions of a foreign government. The outcome of the vote will have significant implications for the district and its students.
FAQs
Q: What is the proposal about?
A: The proposal is to display the Israeli flag on all campuses and district facilities to recognize Jewish Heritage Month in May and to combat antisemitism.
Q: What are the concerns about the proposal?
A: Concerns include the potential backlash, the conflation of Jewish faith and identity with the political actions of a foreign government, and the fairness of dedicating resources to recognize a specific ethnic and religious group.
Q: What is the current state of antisemitism in the US?
A: The Anti-Defamation League reported a 344% increase in antisemitic incidents across the United States in 2024, with L.A. County seeing a 91% increase in anti-Jewish hate crimes from 2022 to 2023.
Q: How will the Israeli flag be displayed if the resolution passes?
A: The Israeli flag will be displayed in different locations around campuses, not mounted on a flag pole.
