When swastika graffiti was found March 3 in a Rye Middle School bathroom, the symbol synonymous with hate was immediately removed.
But rather than glossing over the incident, the school and district have taken steps to turn the act of vandalism into a teachable moment.
As of May 15, the investigation into the incident is still ongoing, said Rye City Schools spokesperson Blaine Malefatto. In the meantime, RMS has participated in a program run by the Anti-Defamation League to become a “No Place for Hate School.”
Two Holocaust survivors, Marion Blumenthal Lazan and David Zajac, spoke at RMS, and students participated in a voluntary book club centered around Blumenthal Lazan’s memoir, “Four Perfect Pebbles.” Eighth graders attended Blumenthal Lazan’s speech, along with sixth and seventh graders who were part of the book club.
“While incidents like these are upsetting, our response demonstrated that we do not have to shy away from difficult moments,” said RMS Principal Nick Clair. “Instead, we can come together as a community, use them as teachable opportunities, and reinforce the values we believe in.”
First published in 1996, “Four Perfect Pebbles” recalls the devastating years that shaped Blumenthal Lazan’s childhood. Following Hitler’s rise to power, the Blumenthal family — Marion, her parents, and brother, Albert — were trapped in Nazi Germany. They managed to escape to Holland, but soon thereafter, Holland was occupied by the Nazis as well.
For six and a half years, the Blumenthals were forced to live in refuge, transit, and concentration camps, including Westerbork in Holland and Bergen-Belsen in Germany, before finally making it to the United States. The story is one of horror and hardship, but also of courage, hope, and the will to survive.
“It was an incredibly powerful first-hand account,” Clair said, “and students were able to have meaningful conversations with her that truly resonated.”
To middle schoolers in the United States, the events of the Holocaust can feel both far away and long ago. The goal of bringing in survivors like Blumenthal Lazan and Zajac is to humanize the tragedy and warn of the impact that hate can have on communities.
“I’ve received an incredible amount of positive feedback from parents and community members throughout this process,” Clair said. “More importantly, I can hear the positive way students are speaking to and supporting one another.”
RMS students were also given an opportunity during lunch to sign a “No Place for Hate” pledge, which emphasizes acting as an ally, standing up against discrimination, and taking personal responsibility for creating a respectful, safe environment.
“One of the most meaningful parts of this work,” Clair said, “has been creating opportunities for students to engage in honest conversations, hear personal stories and reflect on the importance of empathy, inclusion, and respect for others.”
In addition, the Westchester County Human Rights Commission and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office partnered with the school district to provide grade-level assemblies focused on hate crimes, bias, and discrimination.
The Rye Police Department collaborated with the district’s counseling department to provide additional assemblies specifically focused on antisemitism and hate crimes.
“I am incredibly proud of our administration, staff, and most of all, students who have fully embraced our commitment to being an inclusive and welcoming school community,” said Superintendent Tricia Murray. “I believe this work has shown not only what our community stands for, but also what we can accomplish together as we continue moving forward.”
