Former NJEA editor rejects accusations of anti-Semitism

The New Jersey Education Association has sacked a controversial editor of its monthly magazine, ending a short tenure marked by allegations of violent, anti-Semitic views, the New Jersey Globe has confirmed.

But Ayat Oraby, who started at the magazine in August, disputed some claims made by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) in an October letter to NJEA officials.

“My intent has always been humanitarian: to stand against the killing of civilians and to advocate for peace. When compassion is politicized, even empathy can be misread,” Oraby wrote in a statement to the New Jersey Globe.

She said Gottheimer unfairly criticized her for a post she later deleted that compared Israel to Nazi Germany, a claim she said “reflects public opinion and legitimate criticism, not hatred.”

Oraby said one highlighted post about the president of Egypt included a quote from the creator of a video and was not her own words.

“Those were not my words, nor do they reflect my language, views, or beliefs,” Oraby said.