Thousands of Jewish students in New York have moved from public schools to yeshivos, Jewish day schools, and other private schools in recent years amid the surge in antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents in the city’s educational system since the October 7 massacre.

An investigation published by the New York Post points to a significant shift in enrollment patterns. According to Teach Coalition data based on New York State figures, enrollment in Jewish schools across the state increased by about 3,100 students during the 2025-2026 school year, a nearly 2% rise in a single year.

Between 2022 and 2025, enrollment rose by about 4.2%, more than twice the rate in the preceding period.

Prizmah, a network representing Jewish schools across the United States, has also identified a shift since the war began.

In a survey of 121 schools, 60% reported enrolling new students from families that previously would not have considered Jewish education but chose to do so following the change in atmosphere since October 7. Fifty-five percent of the schools also reported an increase in students transferring from public schools and non-Jewish private schools.

Parents who spoke with the New York Post said their decisions to leave the public school system were driven not only by concerns for their children’s personal safety but also by changes in the classroom environment and rhetoric from both students and staff.

They said attitudes toward Israel and Jews, as well as discussions of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have become increasingly hostile since the war began.

One prominent case recently exposed involves Damien Neva, a teacher at a Brooklyn public school. According to a lawsuit, Neva wrote “Long live Yahya Sinwar” in a Signal group for anti-Israel activists in 2024. The city’s Department of Education opened an investigation after the message became public.

Another case involves George Trim, a social studies teacher in Brooklyn who was found to have posted antisemitic conspiracy theories online, including a claim that World Trade Center owner Larry Silverstein had advance knowledge of the September 11 attacks. The New York City Department of Education determined that his statements violated its anti-discrimination policy and announced that disciplinary action would be taken against him.

A report by United Jewish Teachers documents at least 250 antisemitic and anti-Israel incidents in New York City public schools between October 7, 2023, and the end of July this year. Nearly two-thirds of the incidents involved verbal harassment, threats, assaults or hate symbols such as swastikas.

Brooklyn recorded the highest number, with 91 incidents.

The data does not establish that the entire increase in Jewish school enrollment is attributable to antisemitism. However, the testimony and surveys indicate that the war and the changing public atmosphere have become increasingly significant factors for Jewish families deciding where to educate their children.

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)