NEA is a founding member of Education International (EI), the global union federation of educator unions. It is the only global union federation in the world that has member organizations in both Israel and Palestine. NEA has been working with and through EI to speak about the impact of this war on children and educators in the region.

NEA believes that all people—no matter their religion, nationality, spoken language, or place of birth—have a fundamental right to live free of violence and war.

- Becky Pringle, president of NEA

Hamas Attack - October 2023

In October, EI and NEA issued statements condemning the terrorist attack, standing with our union siblings in both Israel and Palestine, calling for peace and raising awareness of the dangerous rise in anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish bigotry and violence. As we began to receive member and affiliate requests for resources, NEA curated materials to support member-efforts to address the fear and trauma they, and their students, were experiencing.

NEA Statement

EI Statement

Calling for Ceasefire

In the weeks that followed, NEA continued its call for the release of all hostages, urged our leaders in the United States and around the world to use their influence to stop the violence, protect civilians and get aid to Gaza immediately. We then joined EI along with Muslim and Jewish leaders across the globe in calling for a ceasefire.

Humanitarian Aid for Educators and Students in Gaza

The impact of the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas has caused loss of human life in both Israel and Gaza and has left education communities and the whole world in shock. NEA extends its unwavering support to all students and educators in the region, and we are committed to advocating for a peaceful resolution, the protection of schools, universities, and educational personnel, and the prioritization of education in relief efforts.

NEA is working with Education International (EI) and EI affiliates in the West Bank to help provide support to meet the most urgent needs of educators and students in Gaza. This includes the distribution of food and blankets, as well as books and toys for children.

While EI affiliates primarily operate in the West Bank where their members actively engage in advocating for the rights and well-being of educators, they have forged connections with teachers in Gaza. These EI affiliates are collecting and will distribute resources.

All donations will benefit Education International’s Solidarity Fund for Gaza.

Donate Now

If you would prefer to donate by check, please make checks payable to:
NEA Member Benefits
ATTN: Cecilia Evans
900 Clopper Road, Suite 300
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

In the memo or reference field, please specify “NEA Solidarity Fund for Gaza”

Statements

October 17, 2023 - "We should all meet the moment and forcefully condemn hate."

November 7, 2023 - "The killing of children shocks our consciousness"

December 8, 2023 - "We join our partner organization [EI] in the urgent call for ceasefire"

February 10, 2024 - NEA Board of Directors' renewed call for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Teaching the History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict Using Primary Sources

Wednesday, February 28 - 4:30-5:30pm - via zoom

Presented by the Institute for Curriculum Services in partnership with the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island and the Sandra Bornstein Holocaust Education Center.

By taking a historical approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict through primary sources and supplemental materials, participants will trace the development of the conflict from the late 19th century to the early 2000s, providing context for understanding this complicated topic. Support for discussion on the Israel-Hamas War will also be shared.

Flyer for details

Register

*This is part of a series of professional learning events for Rhode Island educators