The recent vandalism of a mural at Manzanita Seed Elementary School in Oakland represents a troubling escalation in tensions related to Palestinian rights. The mural, which had featured a girl waving a Palestinian flag for over 15 years, was defaced with a Star of David, sparking outrage among parents and faculty. Jewish educator Natasha Saleski expressed dismay at the symbol's misuse, while parent Sarah Norr highlighted the impact on children's sense of safety. Calls for prompt action were met with criticism when the Oakland Unified School District delayed addressing the graffiti until public pressure intensified.
As a Jewish person, it was really upsetting to me to hear that that symbol was being used as a hateful way and being misused to show domination over Palestinian people.
I think we want our school to be a place where children feel safe. And I think this was clearly intended to create an unsafe space for our Palestinian, Arab and Muslim children.
When we see (the Star of David) intentionally painted over a Palestinian flag, we understand that to be a denial of Palestinian rights to existence and safety as individuals and as a nation.
The fact that it took a full week for there to be any action is just shameful.
Collection
[
|
...
]