Jewish parents slam Anti-Israel hate display at Oregon Elementary School

Jewish parents at Findley Elementary School in Portland are voicing outrage after a recent school event intended to celebrate multiculturalism instead became a platform for anti-Israel propaganda. According to the Washington Examiner, during the school's "International Extravaganza" on April 10, a booth shockingly featured graphic images of Arabs in body bags, manipulated Gaza casualty statistics, and a historically false map erasing Israel and labeling it as "Palestine."

The offensive display thinly veiled Hamas propaganda, was allowed to stand during an event meant for celebrating students' diverse heritages through food, music, and activities. Many Jewish families were horrified that such blatant antisemitic material, glorifying lies against Israel and effectively promoting a terror-supporting narrative, was showcased openly at an elementary school gathering.

After fierce backlash, the Beaverton School District finally responded, promising that its Equity Advisory Committee would create guidelines to ensure future cultural events do not cause harm to any community. Principal Sherry Marsh issued an apology, admitting she had failed to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, despite previous warnings and conversations with concerned Jewish parents. "I felt I had done enough to ensure it wouldn’t happen again. I fell short," Marsh wrote in an email.

However, many parents remain unconvinced by the apology. "She blatantly stood in front of the hateful display, allowing it to be presented to young children," one furious parent told the Washington Examiner. "This is a children’s event. These are elementary students. How could she believe this vile political propaganda was appropriate?"

Disturbingly, it has also emerged that the district’s faculty union is promoting an optional “Teaching Palestine” event organized through Rethinking Schools, a group notorious for pushing biased, anti-Israel narratives. Although it is not officially school-sponsored, the message being sent to educators is clear, and deeply troubling for Jewish families.

This event highlights the urgent need for stronger measures against antisemitism in American schools. Hamas, recognized internationally as a terrorist organization, should not be glorified or its propaganda disseminated under the guise of cultural celebration. Jewish students and their families deserve safe, inclusive environments free from the hate and misinformation promoted by terrorist sympathizers. Schools must remain places of learning, not indoctrination.