Beverly Hills public schools cancel 'Israeli' flag display despite board approval

Public schools in Beverly Hills will not raise the 'Israeli' flag this May during Jewish American Heritage Month, despite a recent school board vote approving the move.

Superintendent Alex Cherniss announced the reversal on Thursday, citing safety concerns and district policy that grants him authority to act swiftly when student security is at risk, Los Angeles' news station KTLA 5 reported.

“Until further notice, no flags will be displayed on our campuses other than the flag of the United States of America and the flag of the State of California,” Cherniss said in a statement. He explained that he had to take “immediate action” to ensure campuses remain safe and avoid disruptions to school operations.

The decision comes just two days after the Beverly Hills Unified School District Board of Education passed a resolution in a narrow 3–2 vote calling for the 'Israeli' flag to be flown across school sites every May. The resolution was presented as a step to combat anti-Semitism, celebrate Jewish contributions to American society, and honor the memory of the Holocaust.

The measure, however, quickly ignited debate in the community. Critics argued that flying the flag would blur the line between supporting Jewish Americans and signaling political support for 'Israel', particularly amid the war in Gaza.

“By prioritizing symbolic displays of allegiance to Israel…over the lived experiences of grieving Palestinian and Arab students, the board has chosen to make a divisive political statement and undermine the inclusive environment schools are supposed to uphold,” said Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).

Supporters of the resolution countered that the flag was meant to highlight Jewish identity, not geopolitics. Board member Russell Stuart, who backed the measure, said, “The display of a flag during Jewish American Heritage Month is not a direct endorsement of the Israeli government. It is not an endorsement of any geopolitical topic. It is a support for our Jewish students and our Jewish community.”

“This is a time right now that Jews are being killed and slaughtered on the street and threats are happening, so enough. We need to stand up,” said board member Sigalie Sabag, who also voted in favor.

Board President Rachelle Marcus, one of the two “no” votes, raised concerns similar to those later cited by the superintendent. “I don’t want to put something on the front of the school that will make us targets of any kind,” she told colleagues at the meeting.