There have been several recent incidents of antisemitism in Newton Schools. Students and staff are engaged in learning more about how to address and prevent antisemitism, racism, bigotry and discrimination. The community events and resources provided through Newton FORJ groups, the Newton Public Schools Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Office, the City of Newton and local organizations are meant to provide opportunities to engage with others and bring understanding and respect and spark (and respond to) mutual curiosity. Check out a few of the many activities Newton and our schools are offering to bring us together – free!

Learning Minute: Palestinian-American Newtonians Event Recap

On May 10th, FORJ Newton hosted its May Citywide meeting called “In Search of Belonging: A Discussion with Palestinian-American-Newtonians”. More than 100 people attended! Discussion facilitator, Dr. Eman Ansari, a physician and Newton parent, who is Palestinian-American, described the geographic location of Palestine, also called “Occupied Palestinian Territory” between Jordan and the Mediterranean Sea. Dr. Eman also spoke about the Palestinian population in the world, stereotypes of Palestinians, and her personal experiences.

Palestinian-American Newton community members described their family histories and journeys to the U.S. between the 50s and 00s. Panelists highlighted joyous and touching family stories (including more than one person who, as children in the U.S., proudly brought their Palestinian parent for “show & tell”) and community connections and, when prompted, touched on some of the low moments of bigotry and racism they faced in Boston near Berklee School of Music, on the Newton soccer field, and in the Newton schools (and drop off lane!). They also detailed generous and kind support from neighbors, fellow parents and strangers in celebration of understanding, learning and friendship.

One panelist, Newton resident, Palestinian singer/songwriter, producer, audio engineer, composer, arranger, Oudist and Arabic rapper, Ghassan Sawalhi, is conductor of a local youth orchestra based at the Center for Arabic Culture.

Walking Tour of METCO HQ and Nubian Square
Saturdays this summer at 10am and 1pm (started May 14!)

Join METCO high school students as they uncover the past and present of Boston’s historic Nubian Square in Roxbury. This unique 90-minute walking tour highlights their research into the artistry, activism, and achievement in the backyard of METCO’s new Headquarters.  RSVP here

Lincoln-Eliot Juneteenth Celebration – Thursday, June 16^th

Join FORJ and our L-E PTO as we prepare for our second annual Lincoln-Eliot Juneteenth Celebration! Mark your calendars for Thursday, June 16^th from 4:30-6:30pm in the playground and our own backyard. We’ll have music and dancing, Double Dutch, craft activities, food, classroom guests and more. Contact Lanni to join the planning, lanni_harris@yahoo.com.

FAMILIES ORGANIZING FOR RACIAL JUSTICE (FORJ) is a group of diverse Newton families helping our children learn about issues of power and inequality and how to stand up for racial justice. We seek to generate understanding and curiosity about differences in our society, and to work together towards racial equity.