A teacher at a Brooklyn public school sparked outrage this week following comments on X (formerly known as Twitter), including "Let Gaza Burn," reports the New York Post.
Robert Rossicone, an instructor at The Fort Hamilton School, wrote "Look at these ANIMALS. And the people who support this, or call for a ceasefire, are dogs as well," in response to a video of the Israel Defense Force provided CNN of Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on the Jewish state.
"“Let Gaza Burn. There are no innocents if this is what is allowed to continue," Rossicone tweeted.
Pro-Palestinian activists are demanding the city Department of Education investigate. "Should Arab or Muslim children feel safe in his classroom?" advocacy group Stop Arab Hate said on X.
Rossicone did not respond to requests for comment. School principal Suzanne Gordon also did not respond. A DOE spokesman referred to a previous statement from Chancellor David Banks on hate speech disrupting schools.
“When speech and action — even on one’s personal time — undermines the mission or core functions of NYCPS, we will review and take appropriate action,” Banks said.
Councilmember Justin Brannan and Senator Andrew Gounardes issued a joint statement, saying, “There is no room in our schools or our community for hate of any kind.”
“Accountability matters, as does the hard work of coming together and using moments like this to facilitate healing,” the politicians said, adding the community includes Jews, Muslims, Israelis and Palestinians with valid reasons for anger and grief.
“We all have a responsibility not to manifest those feelings into hateful words and actions that harm our neighbors here at home,” the statement read, telling families and kids, "You belong here."
