John Mirisch condemns UTLA over anti-Israel endorsement motion

Beverly Hills City Council Member John Mirisch took to Facebook Wednesday morning to sharply criticize the United Teachers Los Angeles (UTLA) union’s recent political endorsement motion, calling it antisemitic and arguing it endangers Jewish people. In his post, Mirisch labeled the union’s stance “anti-Jewish racism” and said it reflects “pathological moral depravity.”

He wrote that it amounts to “metastatic brain rot” and accused UTLA of spreading “ahistorical lies and Islamofascist propaganda.” Mirisch added, “They have no business being anywhere near our kids.”

Mirisch’s post also linked the union’s actions to recent threats against Jews globally and cited what he described as a pattern that justifies “the absolute need for Israel in ensuring the safety, security and future of the Jewish People.” He specifically mentioned a thwarted plot against Jews in Los Angeles and an attack in Bondi Beach, saying UTLA’s language “manufactures consent for the ghouls who scheme to murder Jews around the world.”

The union motion Mirisch criticized was passed Dec. 17 by the governing body of UTLA, which represents roughly 35,000 educators in Los Angeles. The motion states that UTLA “should refrain from endorsing any candidate for public office who, as a member of the U.S. Congress, voted to send weapons to Israel.” Its rationale, presented to union leaders, said, “Politicians should not be rewarded for enabling a genocide nor in perpetuating Israel’s periodic bombing attacks on Palestinians.” 

The motion passed 56% to 44% among voting union representatives and was backed by UTLA’s Human Rights Committee and Raza Educators Committee. One of the motion’s authors said the intent was to push other unions and the broader labor movement to reject candidates who vote for what activists call “genocide and scholasticide,” meaning harm to educational systems through war and destruction. 

UTLA’s position drew attention because of its focus on foreign policy, not traditional classroom or workplace issues. The motion references ongoing conflict in Gaza and criticism of Israel’s military actions following Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attacks. It addresses congressional votes on supplemental military aid and frames those votes as a factor in the union’s political calculations moving into future elections. 

Responses to the motion have been mixed. Supporters argue it is a moral statement against war and civilian harm, while critics — including Mirisch — view it as antisemitic, asserting it singles out support for Israel in a way that could inflame prejudice. A separate motion at the national level within the National Education Association has drawn debate around materials and partnerships related to discussions of antisemitism and Middle East issues. 

The UTLA action and reactions to it come amid broader national debates over foreign policy, union activism, and how educators address international issues. In the Los Angeles region, the move has sparked campaigns on both sides, including billboard efforts accusing the union of antisemitism and pushes by community groups to influence union policy and public perception.