Nov. 29, 2023 

Minneapolis, MN — The Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC) applauds tonight’s passage of a Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) resolution expressing regret for the harm done toward Jewish members, students, and families by the previously passed antisemitic resolution on October 25. 

Since the antisemitic resolution passed, JCRC staff worked closely with Jewish and allied MFT members and many Minneapolis families to organize our community’s response.

Read the resolution and further comments here.

Nov. 21, 2023 

On Nov. 14, the Minneapolis Federation of Teachers (MFT) posted a “resolution on Israel & Palestine” that did immense harm to Jewish teachers, students, and families. The resolution strayed far from MFT’s mission (it did not mention students or educators) and alienated many Jews by failing to condemn Hamas or call for the release of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza. It also endorsed the BDS movement, which, like Hamas, openly calls for the elimination of Israel; 

On Nov. 20, JCRC sent an open letter signed by 783 stakeholders to MPS leadership demanding the district distance itself from the MFT resolution and invite JCRC, the consensus public affairs voice for our community, to lead a district-wide conversation with MPS leadership, school administrators, and educators about Jewish identity and antisemitism.

JCRC continues to engage with various stakeholders — including Jewish families, MFT members, and our allies — around this issue and will post updates here. 

Media coverage:

Nov. 29-30, 2023:

• TC Jewfolk: Minneapolis Teacher’s Union Passes Resolution Centering Families, ‘Regrets’ Harm Caused
• KTSP: Minneapolis teachers union considers new resolution on Israel-Hamas war after accusations of antisemitism
• WCCO: Minneapolis teachers union walks back controversial statement on Israel-Hamas war

Nov. 19-21, 2023:

• Patch: Minneapolis Teachers Union Accused Of Promoting Antisemitism
• KARE 11: Minneapolis teachers draw fire for post on Israel
• KTSP: Jewish Community Relations Council calls Minneapolis teachers union resolution ‘antisemitic’
• TC Jewfolk: Letter Calls Minneapolis Teacher Union Resolution ‘Antisemitic and Hostile’
• WCCO Radio: The Minneapolis Federation of Teachers is catching heat for a statement on Israel

Nov. 17, 2023:

• WCCO-TV: Jewish families blast Minneapolis teacher union statement on Israel as “dangerous to our children,