Teacher at NYC school in large Palestinian community lands in hot seat for saying, ‘Let Gaza Burn’
A teacher at a Brooklyn school serving students from a large Palestinian community is under fire for posting social media comments such as “Let Gaza Burn’’ and “There are no innocents.’’
Pro-Palestinian activists are demanding the city Department of Education investigate The Fort Hamilton School instructor Robert Rossicone over his comments.
The PS 104 elementary-middle school serves students from the largest Palestinian-American and Arabic communities in the state.
“Look at these ANIMALS. And the people who support this, or call for a ceasefire, are dogs as well,” Rossicone said in one exchange in response to a Hamas video that the Israel Defense Force provided CNN of the terrorists’ Oct. 7 attack on the Jewish state.
“Let Gaza Burn. There are no innocents if this is what is allowed to continue. Never again. By ANY means necessary,” he added on social media.
The group Stop Arab Hate said on X: “Should Arab or Muslim children feel safe in his classroom?”
Rossicone did not return voice messages for comment.
The Fort Hamilton School Principal Suzanne Gordon also did not return Post email requests for comment.
A city DOE spokesman declined to address the controversy over Rossicone’s inflammatory comments and instead referred The Post to a previous statement that schools Chancellor David Banks issued on educators engaging in hateful or hurtful speech.
“In general, employees may express their personal views outside of the workday and workplace in a way that does not cause disruption to the employee’s school or workplace,” Banks said.
“However, expression of one’s personal views, even outside of the workplace and via social media posts or otherwise, crosses a line when it disrupts the school or work environment, interferes with NYCPS operations, or interferes with the individual’s ability effectively to perform their job. When speech and action – even on one’s personal time – undermines the mission or core functions of NYCPS, we will review and take appropriate action on a case-by-case basis,” the chancellor said.
