Jewish Parents Pull Children From NYC Public Schools Amid Rising Antisemitism
Concerns over anti-Israel sentiment and perceived educator bias have led to a significant shift towards Jewish day schools and yeshivas.
Thousands of Jewish families in New York have transferred their children from public schools to yeshivas and day schools, citing a surge in antisemitism and what they describe as a biased educational environment since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
Parents report instances of anti-Israel videos shown without context, accusations against Zionists, and a general atmosphere they perceive as hostile to Jewish students. "They were calling Zionists violent. It’s not about me. It’s about what was being taught in the classroom," said Natalya Murakhver, a mother who moved her children from PS 87 in 2024.
A report by the Teach Coalition indicated a nearly 2% increase in K-12 enrollment in Jewish schools in New York state for the 2025-2026 school year, totaling approximately 3,100 students. This growth, concentrated in New York City and surrounding areas, is significantly higher than previous enrollment trends. Paul Bernstein, CEO of Prizmah, a network of Jewish day schools, stated that a recent survey found 60% of parents enrolling their children in Jewish schools cited the Hamas-Israeli war as a primary reason for the change, with over half having previously attended public schools.
The trend has been observed by school admissions consultants, who note a marked increase in inquiries from Jewish families about the climate of schools for Jewish students. "Over the last three years, people have been asking more and more as they’re looking for new schools," said Alina Adams, a city school admissions consultant. "Every single Jewish family I work with, every single one, it might be the first question, it might be the last question, but it will always be a question: What is this school like for Jewish students?"
The situation has been amplified by specific incidents involving educators. One such case involves Damien Neva, a Brooklyn teacher who allegedly expressed support for Hamas leaders and the Oct. 7 attack in a group chat. Another teacher, George Trim, faced scrutiny for allegedly promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories related to 9/11. A report by United Jewish Teachers documented at least 250 antisemitic or anti-Israeli incidents in the city's public school system since October 2023.
These incidents have contributed to parents' decisions to seek alternative educational settings. Deborah Uri recounted pulling her son from Townsend Harris High School after he experienced "upsetting incidents" and witnessed friends ostracizing Jewish students. "Administration just kind of went silent," she said.