Why I Won’t Be Walking for Israel

The other day, I received a message from a colleague—let’s call them “Bob.” Bob shared why they’ll be walking in the upcoming Walk for Israel, organized by the United Jewish Appeal (UJA). They described it as a joyous celebration of Jewish heritage and a personal commitment to fighting antisemitism. They mentioned their family’s history, the importance of Israel as a safe haven for Jews, and their belief in Israel’s right to defend itself. Well, that’s Bob’s take on current affairs.. But here’s mine.

Bob is not entitled to tell me—or any educator—that criticism of Israel is antisemitism. That position is both dangerous and dishonest. It erases the voices of thousands of Jews around the world who are actively speaking out against Israeli policies. It also endangers Palestinians, Muslims, and anti-racist educators who are being silenced for daring to speak about Palestinian lives.

As a schoolteacher and union leader, I can’t ignore that more than 13,000 Palestinian children have been killed as part of the 52 000 person genocide. I can’t ignore the International Court of Justice ruling that found plausible evidence of this genocide. I can’t ignore the overwhelming calls from the United Nations and human rights organizations to stop arming the Israeli military. If we abandon international law, we’re left with chaos.

No, Bob—I won’t be walking. And I won’t be gaslit.

I’ve seen how the Toronto District School Board has contributed to this climate of fear. Teachers like Javier Davila were smeared and dragged through processes meant to silence them. Recently, we learned he reached a settlement with the Board—a quiet vindication. The Grassy Narrows River Run rally, attended by thousands of students and teachers, was weaponized by right-wing media, Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Centre and Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs  to attack Palestinian solidarity along with the teachers who took their kids to the rally. The Pat Case Report confirmed what many of us knew: there was no wrongdoing—only the presence of Palestinian children that made some people uncomfortable.

So yes, we must keep talking about Palestine. We can mark the Nakba on May 15, acknowledge the pain of Palestinian dispossession, and still love and protect our Jewish students and colleagues. We can hold both truths. That’s what educators do. That’s what justice demands.

And that’s what I will keep doing. In the face of fear, false accusations, and smear campaigns—I will not be silent.

 

 

 

Nigel Barriffe

Dad

School Teacher

Singer Songwriter