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Santa Cruz Jews for a Free Palestine, representing 70-plus local anti-Zionist Jews from diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, has authorized me to declare our agreement with the Pajaro Valley for Ethnic Studies op-ed and echo its call for reinstatement of Pajaro Valley Unified School District’s ethnic studies contract with Community Responsive Education (CRE).
Over the past year, we have supported this effort through letters and public comments to the PVUSD board. Cutting ties with CRE, based on baseless antisemitism allegations, has undermined education and wasted resources.
The recent election shows the Pajaro Valley community demands an inclusive, transparent, student-centered approach. Judaism and Zionism are not the same. Criticizing Israel is not antisemitic. As Jews, we reject false antisemitism accusations used to silence Palestinians and their supporters.
Ethnic studies help students critically engage with history, develop empathy and advocate for justice. PVUSD must honor its voters, reinstate the CRE contract and, frankly, apologize to students, who deserve an education which helps them build a more just and equitable future.
Dorah Rosen
Santa Cruz