Date Set for Holocaust Survivor Sami Steigmann to Speak at MS 447

After weeks of public outcry and advocacy, Holocaust survivor Sami Steigmann will finally address students at MS 447, following the school’s earlier refusal due to his pro-Israel views, despite his stated intention not to speak about politics.

Councilwoman Inna Vernikov announced Thursday that Steigmann is scheduled to speak at the Boerum Hill middle school on February 5th, ending a contentious standoff between Jewish community leaders and the Department of Education (DOE). The initial ban had sparked criticism over censorship and bias against Israel, as the school features pro Palestinian voices in its social justice curriculum, exclusively reported by Belaaz last week.

Vernikov, who spearheaded efforts to reverse the DOE’s decision, hailed the scheduled appearance as a major win. “Sami Steigmann, the Holocaust survivor who was rejected from speaking at MS 447 will now be SPEAKING at MS 447 on FEBRUARY 5th!” she said, adding that other speaking opportunities had also been offered to Steigmann.

“Holocaust survivors will NOT BE CENSORED and their speech will not be chilled,” Vernikov continued. “We will never stay silent in the face of antisemitism and discrimination. No one will suppress, censor or silence us!”

While previously criticizing the DOE for “lame excuses” that delayed the event, Vernikov acknowledged the administration’s final decision. “I want to thank Superintendent Alvarez and the DOE Chancellor for righting this wrong,” she said.

Steigmann, who endured Nazi medical experiments as a child, expressed his gratitude through Vernikov. He and Vernikov also thanked Moshe Spern, head of the United Jewish Teachers, for his “tremendous” advocacy. Steigmann emphasized that the upcoming talk represents more than just his own appearance.

According to Vernikov, Steigmann “wanted to stress that this is not about him and that he feels a sense of responsibility for all Holocaust survivors who are still alive and have incredible stories to tell.”

Spern told Belaaz that the confirmation marks a pivotal moment for the community. “I’m elated for my friend Sami Steigmann to get the opportunity he deserves to speak at MS 447,” he said. “This is a victory for Jews in America; we cannot allow our voices to be silenced by those who justify their actions in the vilest of ways.”

Spern also credited the resolution to sustained local leadership. “I’m so thankful to my good friend Councilwoman Inna Vernikov for standing up and doing much of the behind-the-scenes work. Sami deserves this and so does the Jewish people.”

The controversy began in November when MS 447 Principal Arin Rusch rejected a parent’s request to host Steigmann, citing his website’s “messages around Israel and Palestine” as unsuitable for his school.