Siriana Abboud, a Manhattan pre-K teacher at PS 59 in Midtown, has been spreading anti-Israel sentiment, even to young learners. She offers social-media guidance on discussing topics such as “land theft, displacement, and ethnic cleansing” with 4-year-olds. Her social media posts have referred to Israel as a “fascist ethnostate,” and she encourages attending pro-Palestinian protests. Additionally, she hosts exclusive “teach-ins” on Palestine, Zionism, and the “struggle against colonization.”
Who is Siriana Abboud?
Siriana Abboud is a pre-K teacher at P.S 59 Beekman Hill International School in Midtown, New York City. Siriana Abboud is a Lebanese-American educator, activist, and founder. She grew up in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley before moving to Cleveland, Ohio.
Alongside her work in education, she has also initiated projects like @SahteinBeirut, a food-based challenge that translates the love of Lebanese food into support for those affected by the Beirut explosion.
Her exclusive “teach-ins” on Palestine, Zionism, and the “struggle against colonization” have sparked concern among educators and watchdog groups, questioning the appropriateness of her curriculum and the impact it might have on impressionable minds. Abboud has publicly expressed her belief that “teaching can never be radical or revolutionary” if one remains silent about the alleged “violent colonization of Palestine by Zionism.
Abboud’s side business, Allusio Academy, offers at-home curriculums for children and consultations, charging fees for services ranging from live classes to consultation packets with resources and strategies. This entrepreneurial venture has also faced criticism due to the recommended resources, including the controversial children’s book “P Is for Palestine” by Golbarg Bashi. The book has been labeled as antisemitic for its choice to use “intifada” for the letter “I” and its failure to recognize the existence of Israel.
