Full Breakdown
Discrimination Lawsuit Filed Against United Nations International School Over Alleged Antisemitism
3/9/2026, 4:39:52 AM
Allegations of Antisemitism and Retaliation
Nadine Sebag, a veteran Jewish teacher at the United Nations International School (UNIS) in Manhattan, has filed a discrimination lawsuit alleging that the school ignored her complaints of antisemitism and retaliated against her for reporting the harassment. The suit, filed in Manhattan State Supreme Court, claims that another French teacher, Nehad Soliman, engaged in a “sustained and targeted campaign of harassment and discrimination” against Sebag. The lawsuit seeks over $750,000 in damages and highlights the broader implications of religious discrimination within the institution.
Sebag, who taught French for 30 years and is originally from France, alleges that Soliman made derogatory statements about Jews, including claims that they are driven by money and control UNIS and New York. The suit details incidents of hostility, including a confrontation over a cartoon from the French satirical publication Charlie Hebdo, which Soliman found offensive. Sebag contends that she sought to de-escalate the situation and clarified her stance on religious attire, stating her opposition to compulsory religious dress for women.
School's Response and Broader Context
The lawsuit also raises concerns about the school's environment, citing a lack of action from UNIS leadership, including Executive Director Dan Brenner, regarding Sebag's complaints. Sebag's husband, Robert Weingrad, intervened by questioning the school's failure to protect his wife from alleged harassment. The suit mentions that other teachers corroborated Sebag's claims about Soliman's aggressive behavior.
Additionally, the lawsuit points to troubling displays of support for Hamas at UNIS, including posters linked to the organization, without any disciplinary measures taken. The school has reportedly accepted over $110 million in funding from Oman and Qatar, with representatives from both nations on its board of trustees. The U.S. government has identified Qatar as a financial supporter of Hamas, raising concerns about the implications of such funding on the school's policies and practices.
Official Statements and Reactions
In response to the lawsuit, a UNIS spokesperson, Lupe Todd, dismissed the allegations as baseless, asserting that the institution is confident in its integrity and reputation. The school emphasized that the matter will be addressed through the legal process.
Hank Sheinkopf, a spokesman for the National Jewish Advocacy Center (NJAC), stated, “Make no mistake — this is not just a Jewish story; this unfortunately is an American story.” He highlighted the risks faced by all minorities and employees when institutions allow religious discrimination to persist without accountability.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While Sebag's lawsuit presents detailed allegations and testimonies from other teachers, the school maintains that the claims are unfounded. The contrasting narratives raise questions about the internal culture at UNIS and the effectiveness of its response to allegations of discrimination.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This case is about the equal enforcement of civil rights laws,” — Lauren Israelovitch, Senior Litigation Counsel at NJAC
- “Make no mistake — this is not just a Jewish story; this unfortunately is an American story.” — Hank Sheinkopf, NJAC Spokesman
- “The United Nations International School stands firm against these baseless allegations.” — Lupe Todd, UNIS Spokesperson
