In June, the union representing Seattle Public School educators, the Seattle Education Association (SEA Union), passed a resolution endorsing the global Boycott, Divest, and Sanction movement (BDS) against Israel. 

Make no mistake about it: The Jewish community currently faces levels of anti-Jewish acts and rhetoric in the US at levels not seen since the Holocaust. The rise is directly tied to the complex situation in the Middle East. 

Here, Seattle's Jewish students and families see the message broadcast clearly.  Their teachers' union felt it necessary to leave their educational mission and go out of their way to endorse a campaign whose stated goal is the elimination of a Jewish state. 

Anti-Israel rhetoric reflects on American Jews, whose affinity for Israel is part of their religious tradition, cultural heritage, and ethnic identity. We are concerned for Jewish children in Seattle Public Schools.  They should be able go to school, with teachers who make them feel welcome and safe as Jews.   This resolution does the opposite.  

This needless and one-sided resolution singles out and demonizes Israel. In a time of rising anti-Jewish sentiment tied to the Middle East, the SEA believed it necessary go beyond education, take sides, and disparage Israel.

It starts with the union.  It's only a matter of time before it ends up in the classroom.

For those who support Jewish students in Seattle Public Schools, please add your name to tell SEA Union leadership to rescind this gratuitous anti-Jewish resolution and understand how endorsing the extreme BDS campaign affects the Jewish community in Seattle schools.