The principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School, located north of Philadelphia, is facing termination following the emergence of antisemitic remarks he made on a voicemail intended for a parent. The superintendent of the Wissahickon School District, Mwenyewe Dawan, announced her recommendation for immediate dismissal of Philip Leddy, the principal whose comments have sparked widespread outrage.
In the voicemail, Leddy is recorded discussing a Jewish parent with another school employee, using phrases such as “Jew camp” and “Jew money,” while also implying that this parent “controls the banks.” The comments surfaced through Philadelphia-area news outlets and social media, prompting strong condemnation from various community organizations.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia expressed its “deeply disturbed” reaction, stating, “What is most concerning is not only the language itself, but the mindset it reflects.” The Federation emphasized that such stereotypes reduce individuals to caricatures and foster a hostile environment, particularly unsettling for families entrusting their children to the school.
Andrew Goretsky, the Philadelphia regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, also condemned Leddy’s remarks, stating, “No one promoting antisemitic rhetoric should be leading and teaching our children.” The ADL has previously collaborated with the Wissahickon School District and is relieved that the district is addressing these statements swiftly.
On December 19, 2023, Dawan informed the school community that Leddy had self-reported the voicemail to the administration. “We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on our school community, and in particular the Jewish members of our community,” Dawan stated. She added that the district’s administrative team was shocked and saddened by Leddy’s behavior, emphasizing that antisemitism would not be tolerated.
Leddy was placed on administrative leave pending a hearing set for December 22, 2023, which will allow him to explain his actions. The employee with whom Leddy was conversing did not engage in antisemitic rhetoric but did not appear alarmed by the comments. This employee is also on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about a pattern of antisemitic sentiments within the Wissahickon School District, which serves approximately 5,000 students. Earlier this year, parents raised issues regarding a World Studies class that they believed presented a one-sided view of Israeli history. In another event, Jewish parents expressed concern over a booth at a school fair where students displayed Palestinian flags and wore keffiyehs, with one student donning a stole inscribed with “Jerusalem is ours” in Arabic.
In light of these events, the Jewish Federation has called for accountability not only for Leddy but also for the other school employee involved. They seek a meeting between Dawan and local Jewish families to address the situation directly, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and a commitment to comprehensive education on antisemitism and discrimination.
The Federation’s statement concluded, “Jewish families want what all families want: to know that their children are respected, supported, and safe at school.” They stressed that addressing this situation effectively is crucial for restoring trust within the community and ensuring a respectful learning environment for all students.
