Michigan School Official Resigns After Being Targeted With Anonymous Anti-Semitic Death Threats

I was deeply disturbed by this story I came across in the Times of Israel about a school official in Michigan resigning after receiving anti-Semitic death threats after only 9 days on the job:

Michael Woodberg was hired by Richmond Community Schools, a rural district north of Detroit, in December. But in early January the district received a series of disturbing and violent threats directed at staff. The first one, on January 3, took the form of a physical note discovered in one of the district’s buildings, targeting Woodberg specifically with antisemitic language and including details about his family and personal information.

The article continues:

“The Dean of Students position was, as Mr. Woodberg stated, ‘a dream job,’” Walmsley wrote in an email to parents on January 8. “He was excited for his first administrative experience and [to] work with outstanding administrators, teachers, and support staff – all dedicated to the success of students.

“As you can imagine, the threat affected Mr. Woodberg and his family and permanently changed the way they operate and view the environment around them,” the letter continued. “While Mr. Woodberg is going to be missed, I support the decision he made for his family and himself and wish him nothing but health, happiness, and success in his future endeavors.” 

What profoundly disturbs me about all of this is Woodberg's resignation. I understand why he resigned. After all, not only was his life on the line but so were those of his family including his children. 

But Woodberg's resignation rewards the behavior of this anti-Semitic thug who has also threatened another employee of the school district. What happens if that employee resigns? Chancces are this anti-Semite will only be further emboldened. 

This is an act of terrorism. These threats are designed with the intent to rid Richmond Middle School of Jews by any means necessary and, so far, these tactics are working. 

I understand that it is a lot to ask Woodberg not to resign. After all, I'm not in his shoes and he is not to blame for what has transpired. Nevertheless, resigning breathes life into anti-Semitism and will inspire other anti-Semites to engage in this kind of behavior.

With that said, resignation or no resignation, this anti-Semite must be stopped and brought to justice.