Congressman Pushes NJ Teachers Union to Dismiss Magazine Editor Over Hate Speech Allegations
A New Jersey lawmaker has requested that the state’s largest teachers union fire one of its magazine editors after she was accused of spreading antisemitic sentiments and supporting Hamas on social media. Representative Josh Gottheimer wrote a strong letter to the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) urging the immediate firing of Ayat Oraby from NJEA Review, the union’s flagship newspaper.
Gottheimer’s staff reviewed Oraby’s public social media profiles and blog, where he said she applauded Hamas, denigrated Jews, and propagated conspiracy beliefs linking Israel to the October 7 Hamas assault. The congressman presented screenshots of deleted posts to demonstrate “divisive, violent, and hate-filled rhetoric.” He highlighted a deleted tweet calling Egypt’s president “filthier than the Jews,” comments comparing Israeli government acts to Nazism, and a post inciting violence against Israeli leaders: “O God, turn their bodies into pieces that cannot be reunited.”
According to her LinkedIn profile, Oraby joined NJEA Review in August as editor, serving 200,000 union members statewide. Gottheimer wrote that her words violate NJEA’s inclusion and respect principles on social media, which prohibit discriminatory language and violence.
NJEA cautiously acknowledged the letter and confirmed that internal procedures are being followed. The union said it was a personnel matter and would not comment. It’s unclear if Oraby stays as editor.
Many public politicians support Gottheimer’s request. Representative Mikie Sherrill also called for Oraby’s dismissal, claiming that the editor’s reported opinions are incompatible with leading an educator-focused journal. Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, a teacher, stressed accountability in school discourse-shaping tasks.
Critics of Oraby’s claimed posts have noted the broader consequences of her words seen by thousands of educators. They say permitting an extremist or hateful person to edit a teachers union journal might destroy trust among educators, families, and communities already sensitive to Israel, antisemitism, and free speech.
Despite their low profile, Oraby supporters and free speech defenders may worry about repression and political discourse. This argument centers on the conflict between making important communicators accountable and safeguarding free expression.
NJEA is under pressure to act quickly and publicly. The union must balance values with legal, reputational, and member-relations dangers. How NJEA handles this—termination, suspension, or other disciplinary measures—will certainly demonstrate how educational and labor groups handle disputes between internal regulations and member statements.
Sources
New Jersey Globe – “Gottheimer calls for firing of NJEA magazine editor after alleged anti-Semitic, violent posts”
NJ Advance Media
New Jersey Insider — Morning Intelligence Briefing
