To the Editor:

I am writing with great sadness and concern. The Guilderland Central School District’s Anti-Hate Rally is an event that many students look forward to and feel proud to take part in.

Described as an opportunity for members of our community to come together and “rally against hate,” most people who have attended in the past have shared very positive experiences that have been covered in your newspaper as well as highlighted on social media.

At face value, this year’s rally, which was held on May 23 at the high school, would also appear to continue with the themes of unity and respect for diversity.

However, a quick review of social media posts and comments made by fellow students and community members has brought to light an incident that took place at the event in which the phrase “from the river to the sea” was written in chalk as part of one of the activities.

This phrase calls for the genocide of Jews and was chanted by Hamas during and after the attacks on Oct. 7. The phrase was written and stated during a community event that is supposed to bring people together — not invoke violence as a means for political change.

As a reader of The Altamont Enterprise and a student who believes in diversity, equity, and inclusion, I would like to know more details about what took place and how we are going to make all students feel welcomed at the rally (and all school events) moving forward.

Angelica Sofia Parker

10th-grader

Guilderland High School