Challenging Zionism in Schools: Navigating Education and Controversy

Marcy Winograd, a retired public high school teacher and Jewish peace advocate, co-organized a workshop series titled “Challenging Zionism in Schools.” These workshops aimed to address how the existing school curriculum conflates criticism of Israel with antisemitism, potentially censoring teaching and learning.

Winograd has actively worked to differentiate between antisemitism and anti-Zionism. Antisemitism involves bigotry towards Jews for being Jewish, while anti-Zionism is political opposition to a nation-state. Confusing these terms endangers Jewish communities globally by associating them with Israel’s militarism, which organizations like Amnesty International have criticized.

The workshops emphasized that labeling anti-Zionism as contemporary antisemitism perpetuates stereotypes about Jews uniformly supporting Israel. This approach compromises students’ chances to critically evaluate Zionism. Is it about Jewish self-determination, or is it a colonial project affecting Palestinians?

The series hosted a session with Dr. Maha Nassar, who discussed the phrase “From the River to the Sea” as a call for Palestinian liberation, challenging the notion that it is inherently antisemitic. Another workshop analyzed South Africa’s accusation of genocide against Israel, engaging students in determining whether Gaza’s situation fits the legal definition of genocide.

Students debated whether the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which includes criticism of Israel, should be adopted by school boards. These activities encouraged rigorous debate, fostering skills such as problem-solving, analysis, and synthesis.

Winograd also supported a motion to host antisemitism workshops through a professional organization, emphasizing the interconnectedness of antisemitism with other forms of systemic oppression. This approach challenges the isolation of Jewish students and promotes solidarity in fighting all forms of discrimination.

Winograd addresses critics who argue against discussing such topics in schools, advocating for engaging content that stimulates critical thinking beyond rote memorization. Highlighting current social issues prepares students to participate as informed citizens in discussions about applying “never again” to all forms of injustice, including those in Palestine.

Marcy Winograd volunteers with CodePink and represents United Teachers Los Angeles, advocating for discussions on controversial topics in education.