New Jersey High School Bans Yellow Hostage Ribbons, Allows Palestinian Keffiyehs

A high school in New Jersey is facing fierce backlash after banning yellow ribbons meant to show support for Israeli hostages during a recent club fair, an act many have labeled as a “blatant” display of antisemitism.

Parents from Fair Lawn High School and the advocacy group StopAntisemitism have expressed outrage after the school administration reportedly prohibited the display of Israel’s flag, which was part of a promotion for an upcoming trip to Israel. The administration deemed the flag too “political” – despite members of the school’s Muslim Student Association were allowed to showcase a keffiyeh.

Liora Rez, the founder of StopAntisemitism, condemned the decision, saying, “What happened at Fair Lawn High School is an alarming case of hypocrisy and blatant antisemitism. This incident is nothing short of a direct violation of Jewish students’ rights to express their identity and humanitarian concerns.”

Fair Lawn, located in Bergen County just 17 miles from New York City, is home to a significant Jewish population, with estimates ranging from one-third to 40% of its 35,000 residents. Despite this, complaints of antisemitism have reportedly gone unaddressed within the school district for some time.

In response to the accusations, Fair Lawn High School Principal Paul Gorski issued a statement defending the school’s actions, explaining that both the Jewish Student Union and the Muslim Student Association were asked to adjust their displays. He said that neither group faced disciplinary action and reiterated the school’s commitment to inclusivity, pointing to its participation in the Anti-Defamation League’s “No Place for Hate” initiative.

“We condemn antisemitism and remain steadfast in our commitment to creating an inclusive community where hate is not tolerated,” Gorski said, adding that the school would engage in further dialogue with students and the community.