Teachers Union Shares Controversial Map of Israel and Palestine

The country’s largest teachers union recently distributed an email containing a map that entirely erases Israel and labels the territory as Palestine. The email, intended as a resource for teaching about indigenous peoples, included the disturbing map, which was flagged by the North American Values Institute.

The material also contained content defending Hamas’ deadly October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and the kidnapping of 250 individuals to Palestine, according to NAVI.

A prominent critic decried this incident, stating, “It’s deeply troubling that the union would promote antisemitic tropes and rationalize atrocities. This reflects a failure in oversight and responsibility, especially for an organization shaping young minds.”

The union, composed of educators, students, parents, and activists, has since removed the offensive material from its website. However, a “Native Land Digital” map on the site still labels Israel as “Palestine” and refers to it as “indigenous” land.

A spokesperson for the NEA attributed the error to a third-party organization, emphasizing that the union opposes antisemitism and has acted swiftly to address the issue. They noted that upon discovering the problematic content, they immediately removed it and contacted the resource host to request a review.

Critics like Steven Rosenberg from the Anti-Defamation League highlighted the lack of transparency, calling for a full explanation and a formal apology, condemning the union’s initial oversight as a serious breach of fact and responsibility.

This controversy unfolded on the same day a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect, part of a breakthrough peace agreement brokered by former President Trump.