Full Breakdown
San Diego Teacher Fired After Antisemitic Video
2/10/2026, 10:57:14 PM
Overview of the Incident
Nasreen Atassi, a former special education teacher in San Diego, California, was terminated from her position after posting a video on February 3, 2026, in which she made antisemitic claims about Israel. In the video, Atassi accused Israel of stealing "livers and kidneys and eyeballs," a statement that drew immediate backlash from the local Jewish community and advocacy groups. The San Diego Unified School District confirmed her dismissal shortly after the video gained traction online.
Community Response and Actions
The video was shared by StopAntisemitism, a U.S.-based watchdog group, which called for Atassi's removal. Following the video's circulation, members of the Jewish community in San Diego mobilized to pressure school district officials for action. Dr. Halevi Feldman, a board member of the House of Israel–Balboa Park, stated that the community has a system in place for documenting antisemitic incidents and forwarding them to relevant authorities. Feldman emphasized that the community's coordinated response, which included online advocacy and formal complaints, was instrumental in the swift decision to terminate Atassi's employment.
Context of Antisemitism in Schools
The incident occurs amid heightened scrutiny of antisemitic incidents in California schools, particularly following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent conflict in Gaza. Jewish advocacy groups have reported a notable increase in antisemitic rhetoric, vandalism, and harassment on school campuses across the state. The urgency of addressing such incidents has been underscored by the community's proactive stance against antisemitism.
Official Statements & Responses
In a statement regarding the incident, a local Israeli community member remarked, “There’s no chance we would allow such a person to enter classrooms.” Dr. Feldman noted that while the community was not surprised by Atassi's comments, they were committed to ensuring that such behavior would not be tolerated in the educational system. He stated, “We absolutely do not intend to give up or remain silent — and certainly not to allow such a person to be part of San Diego’s education system.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the community's response was largely supportive of the decision to fire Atassi, there may be dissenting views regarding the implications of such swift action. Critics could argue that the rapid dismissal raises questions about due process and the potential for overreach in addressing speech deemed offensive. However, the overwhelming sentiment from the Jewish community has been one of relief and determination to combat antisemitism in educational environments.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Imagine this monster near a special needs Jewish child?” — StopAntisemitism
- “She was removed from the education system in less than a day,” — Dr. Halevi Feldman, House of Israel–Balboa Park
- “We’re no longer shocked when we see things like this,” — Dr. Halevi Feldman
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing antisemitism in educational settings and the importance of community advocacy in responding to hate speech.
