Chicago High School Yearbook Praises Hamas, Ignites Jewish Community Outrage

Aish, a prominent Jewish educational organization, has brought to light a troubling incident at Glenbrook South High School in suburban Chicago. The school’s yearbook, The Etruscan, included a student’s praise for Hamas, igniting outrage among Jewish parents and sparking widespread discussion about antisemitism and free speech in educational environments.

The post, which spread rapidly through social media among Chicago-area moms, revealed that the yearbook featured a sophomore’s statement expressing happiness over Hamas’ violent actions on October 7. These actions included rape, mutilation, torture, murder, and kidnapping of Israelis. The student’s remarks, which also questioned Israel’s existence, left many parents feeling betrayed and concerned for their children’s safety.

The immediate backlash from parents highlighted a sense of crisis, as many felt the school administration’s initial response—that the quote was protected free speech—was inadequate and dismissive of their concerns. Rabbi Aaron Braun, a local religious leader with a son set to attend the school, described the situation as “all-consuming” and indicative of a growing climate of antisemitism.

The community’s reaction revealed a mix of fear, frustration, and calls for action. Some parents noted previous positive experiences with the school’s handling of anti-Jewish incidents, yet others felt a fear of publicly complaining. Lindsey Garfield, a parent of a student in the same grade as the one who made the controversial remarks, noted that her son, who is active in Jewish activities outside school, felt the need to separate his Jewish identity from his school identity to avoid conflict.

Rabbi Braun observed an increase in antisemitic sentiments since the October 7 attack, noting more open hostility towards Israel and Jews in the local community. He recounted a recent visit to Glenbrook South High School, where he was troubled to see that Jewish American Heritage Month was not prominently displayed alongside other heritage months until parents intervened.

The principal eventually issued a letter expressing “regret” for the yearbook content and announced an ongoing investigation to address the issue. Garfield emphasized the need for the school to recall and reprint the yearbook and use this incident as a teaching moment against antisemitism.

The incident at Glenbrook South High School highlights the growing tensions and challenges Jewish students face in American schools as antisemitism becomes more overt and accepted.

This incident at Glenbrook South High School highlights the broader challenges Jewish communities face amid rising antisemitism. Aish’s coverage of this story has amplified the voices of concerned parents and community leaders, pushing the school administration to take more decisive action and ensuring that such incidents are properly addressed and prevented in the future.

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