Jewish educators cancel italy trip

Dozens of Jewish educators canceled a trip to Reggio Emilia, Italy, after an Italian organization demanded signed statements distancing them from Gaza occupation and rights violations.

Educators describe antisemitic experience

Jen Schiffer, a Jewish preschool director, called the trip 'an innocent trip that turned antisemitic', while Dr. Pesha Kletenik described it as 'one of the most painful experiences I’ve had as a Jew'.

“It was an innocent trip that turned antisemitic”

Italian organization demands statements

The Italian organization required each Jewish educator to sign a statement distancing themselves from Gaza occupation and violations of rights in occupied territories.

“hereby declare that they distance themselves from the occupation of gaza and the violation of children’s and human beings’ rights in occupied territories”

Educators feel unsafe in italy

Educators reported their social media profiles were analyzed for possible ties to Israel, and threats of protest in Italy upon arrival.

Trip cancellation consequence

The educators canceled their trip, with Schechter School in Bergen County also canceling a November teacher assignment.

“We feel very sad, and it feels very personal, because they were prepared to single out 68 american jews”