Old Dominion News

Rabbi Steven I. Rein of the Agudas Achim Congregation in Alexandria has voiced his disappointment regarding anti-Semitism espoused during a Nov. 9 student walkout at Alexandria City High School, which was organized to support the Palestinian cause amid the Israeli-Hamas conflict.

In a statement to Old Dominion News, Rabbi Rein emphasized that the school had an opportunity to use the moment as an educational tool but instead allowed the issue to become a source of division in the community.

 “Our schools could have used this opportunity to teach students about the complicated history of the Middle East,” Rein said.

Student protestors at Alexandria City High School. | Old Dominion News

“They could have used this as an opportunity to teach about anti-Semitism, the world’s oldest form of hatred. They could have used this opportunity to teach students how to have meaningful and respectful dialogue with each other." 

"Instead, they shirked their responsibilities and enabled students to simply shout at each other and intimidate each other without understanding the impact of their actions. I expect more from a school that has pledged to provide an equitable, high-quality education that is accessible and engaging to all students.”

Kathy Mimberg, Executive Director of Communications, at Alexandria City Public Schools, in speaking with Old Dominion News said she would share Rein’s concerns with senior leadership at the school but did not provide an official response addressing the comments.

Other school districts disallowed such protests noting the specifically anti-Jewish nature of the events.

Loudoun County Public Schools disallowed such a protest from going forward.

Similarly, in Scottsdale, Ariz. at Desert Mountain High School a similar protest was canceled by the school.

“There will be no walk out tomorrow,” Desert Mountain High School Principal Lisa Hirsch told the school community in an email after the protest is announced. “Early this morning I was alerted to a post about a walk out. I immediately met with school and district leadership, as well as law-enforcement, in order to make a plan to ensure the continued safety for all students and staff.”

The stoppage of that protest came after Scottsdale parent and education activist Shiry Sapir, a former member of the Israeli Defense Forces, issued a warning that a club meeting at a school would mobilize students against their Jewish peers.

“They put Jewish students at risk, and we warned about it,” Sapir said of the event’s organizers on X.

In contrast, Alexandria City High School Principal Alexander Duncan approved the student rally expressing pro-Palestinian sentiments.

The walkout, part of a nationwide protest organized by Code Pink called "Shut it Down! For Palestine," drew criticism from Rabbi David Spinrad, who expressed concerns about anti-Semitic tropes used during the event.

While the protest aligned with Code Pink's efforts across schools, the timing and alleged anti-Semitic remarks during the rally have sparked controversy and calls for consequences.

The protest was held on the 85th anniversary of Kristalnacht in which Nazis terrorized Jewish population in Germany at the outset of World War II.

Prior to the protest the school system sent a notice to families of students and staff.

“As students exercise their right to free speech during the school day tomorrow, ACHS administrators and staff, in addition to Central Office staff, will be prepared and positioned to ensure that this walkout is conducted in a safe and respectful manner, with as little disruption to normal operations as possible,” the notice read.

“As stated in our Student Code of Conduct, we ask students to be kind, respectful and cooperative to prevent problems and solve problems in a peaceful and collaborative way.”