The NJEA is one of our nation's largest and most effective public school employee unions. It is a justice centered union that makes an effort to be equitable. Aiat Oraby has been a highly effective NJ educator for 8 years and served our students in the Paterson school district. She was also an active member in the NJEA union before beginning her position as NJEA Review Editor in August of 2025. Ms. Oraby had a career in journalism prior to becoming an educator.

Josh Gottheimer, a congressman representing New Jersey's 5th district, has called on the NJEA to fire Ms. Oraby for what he deems anti-semitic rhetoric. This includes the stance of being anti-genocidal. Palestinians in Gaza have declared that a genocide has been imposed on them in the last two years. In addition, all of the international human rights organizations have called the ongoing genocide what it is. Gottheimer has a history of racism and Islamophobia as we saw during a walk-out at Teaneck High School in November of 2023 when he attacked high school girls who organized a day of action to create awareness about the genocide in Palestine. Another public act of this behavior includes his attack against Rutgers University for hosting a panel on Race and Palestine. It’s also imperative to note that Gottheimer has received over $1.6 million dollars from AIPAC, a lobby group that supports the Israeli military and U.S. aid to the Israeli government.

Finally, the NJEA is an organization with 200,000 members. Our union leadership demonstrates strong advocacy and dedication to workers’ rights. They are committed, organized, and responsive to the needs of their members. We will stand our ground, and we will not yield to pressure from external forces.

Please sign this petition in support of Ms. Oraby, who has demonstrated the skills and leadership necessary to continue excelling in her role as Editor of the NJEA Review.