Dear Parents and Students, As educators and communal members deeply invested in the welfare and growth of all students in our community, we are concerned about a decision made by the Teaneck Public Schools to approve a “student walkout” in the middle of the school day in support of a purported “genocide” taking place in Gaza.  This is scheduled to happen tomorrow at Teaneck High School at 1:30pm. We understand and appreciate the desire and need for students to express themselves, especially in response to global events that stir their passions and shape their worldviews. However, we must also acknowledge the limitations that exist within the school environment. Recent rallies, unfortunately, have taken an alarming turn, with instances of antisemitism and violence that we must not ignore. The walkout at Hillcrest High School, for example, escalated into a violent incident against a Jewish teacher. This event, described as a “vile show of  antisemitism” by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, was horrifying. We have also noted the antisemitic undertones in rallies across the nation that were pro-Palestinian, including calls for violence and blatant antisemitism. Given these recent events, we do not believe that this is the appropriate time or place for a walkout demonstration at Teaneck High School. No one should be permitted to ignore the context of antisemitism that has been promoted during these rallies. By allowing this rally during school hours, the Superintendent has allowed the Teaneck Public Schools to become an environment where Jewish students’ safety is at risk.   New Jersey Public Schools MUST be safe environments for all students. No student events ought to be permitted if any constituency is targeted, attacked, threatened, or intimidated. We never thought that Jewish students in Teaneck, New Jersey would be afraid to attend school. There will be a community rally tonight at 8pm at the Municipal Green in Teaneck. We strongly advise all community members to attend, along with their age-appropriate children. This will be a meaningful moment to stand together against antisemitism and violence. Let us continue to work together to stand with Israel and to ensure that Teaneck High School remains a safe and inclusive environment for Jewish students and all students. Sincerely, Rabbi Daniel Alter, The Moriah School Rabbi Eli Ciner, Yeshivat Frisch Steve Freedman, Schechter Bergen Rabbi Chaim Hagler, Yeshivat Noam Rabbi Joshua Kahn, Torah Academy of Bergen County Rabbi Jonathan Knapp, Yavneh Academy Mrs. Deena Kobre, Naaleh High School for Girls Mrs. CB Neugroschl, Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls Rabbi Daniel Price, Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey Rabbi Tomer Ronen, Yeshivat He’Atid Mrs. Orite Rubenstein, Tenafly Chabad Academy Rav Aryeh Stechler, Heichal HaTorah Rabbi Saul Zucker, Ben Porat Yosef