Carmel BOE Trustee Jim Wise
By Dan Murphy
Carmel School Board member Jim Wise can remain in his duties, according to a recent decision ordered by NYS Education Commissioner Betty Rosa. Carmel resident and parent Kim Zamparelli filed the request to have Wise removed for alleged antisemitic comments he made at a July 2024 board meeting.
The Carmel School Board passed a resolution disavowing Wise’s comments. Only the Education Commissioner can remove School Board member if they have engaged in a willfull violation or neglect of duty.
“Petitioner has failed to demonstrate that removal is warranted based on the respondent’s statements in public and at the July 2024 Board meeting,” writes Rosa.
After the decision, Zamparelli wrote, “As some of you may know, I have been working tirelessly to combat the rise of antisemitism in our community, particularly concerning Trustee Jim Wise at the Carmel Central School District. His behavior, both within and beyond our school buildings, has been nothing short of despicable.
“Several months ago, I submitted a formal petition to Education Commissioner Betty Rosa, urging for the removal of Trustee Wise due to his actions that contradict the values we stand for as a community. Thank you to those who stood alongside me: Mike Lawler, Matt Slater, Aj Bephan, and many others who joined in the effort to call for his removal. Your support and commitment to making our district a better place for all children have been invaluable.
“This weekend, I received the response I had been anxiously awaiting. However, it was disheartening to discover that the Commissioner herself seems to condone Trustee Wise’s behavior. It is deeply troubling to see such a high-ranking official appear to endorse actions fundamentally rooted in antisemitism. Shame on her for not standing against this unacceptable behavior!
“While I briefly felt a sense of defeat upon reading the response, I want to assure you that I will not back down. There is no room for hate or discrimination in our schools or community, and I am more determined than ever to fight against this intolerable behavior.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been fighting alongside me. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and together we can make a difference. This fight is far from over, and I invite each of you to continue standing up for what is right.
“Let us remain united in our mission to foster an inclusive environment for all our children, free from hatred and prejudices. Thank you for your continued support,” wrote Zamparelli.
During one school board meeting, Wise said six times, the phrase “From the River to the Sea,” which he claims it not antisemitic.
But most residents and voters in the 40th District, and throughout Westchester, understand that “From the River to the Sea,” is antisemitic.
School Board President Melissa Orser parts of the following resolution that the board passed to the public. “This issue is not only divisive, but it is damaging to the fabric of our community. Over the past school year, we have witnessed an unsettling up tick of anti-Semitic incidents in our own school community. The presence of swastikas throughout our school buildings is a stark reminder of the hatred and intolerance that still exists. The Carmel School District must be at the forefront of teaching tolerance, understanding and the accurate history that dispels misinformation”….Mr. Wise’s use of ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,’ has resulted in a rallying cry for the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people. This is not acceptable. It is crucial to distinguish between political discourse and anti-Semitism. As leaders we have the profound responsibility to understand between free speech and speech that targets groups of people. Free speech is the cornerstone of our democracy, but it comes with the responsibility to consider the consequences of our words.”
According to the Anti-Defamation League, ADL, “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” is an antisemitic slogan commonly featured in anti-Israel campaigns and chanted at demonstrations. This rallying cry has long been used by anti-Israel voices, including supporters of terrorist organizations such as Hamas, which seek Israel’s destruction through violent means.
3,000 local residents have signed a petition calling for Wise’s removal, which was submitted to NYS Education Commissioner Betty Rosa.
