The principal of Lower Gwynedd Elementary School in Pennsylvania is facing recommended termination after making antisemitic remarks in a voicemail intended for a Jewish parent. The superintendent of the Wissahickon School District, Mwenyewe Dawan, informed families that she is recommending the immediate dismissal of the principal, identified in reports as Philip Leddy.
In the voicemail, Leddy is overheard discussing the Jewish parent with another school employee. Comments included references to a “Jew camp” and suggesting that the parent has “Jew money,” along with a remark implying that Jewish individuals “control the banks.” The remarks were made after Leddy returned a call to the parent, unaware that he had not disconnected the line.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia expressed its deep concern regarding the comments. The organization stated, “What is most concerning is not only the language itself, but the mindset it reflects.” The Federation emphasized that such remarks perpetuate harmful stereotypes and undermine trust within the school community.
Andrew Goretsky, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, echoed these sentiments, stating, “No one promoting antisemitic rhetoric should be leading and teaching our children.” He commended the school district for addressing the issue swiftly.
In her communication to families, Dawan noted that the school district received a copy of the voicemail on December 19. Leddy reportedly self-reported the incident to the administration. Dawan expressed her distress at the situation, stating, “We are deeply concerned about the impact this will have on our school community, particularly the Jewish members.”
Leddy has been placed on administrative leave as the district prepares for a hearing scheduled for December 22, where he will have the opportunity to explain his actions. The employee who was conversing with Leddy during the voicemail has also been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation.
The incident follows previous complaints from parents regarding perceived antisemitic or anti-Israel views expressed within the Wissahickon School District, which serves approximately 5,000 students across Ambler, Whitpain, and Lower Gwynedd. Earlier this year, the school board eliminated a World Studies class at the Wissahickon Virtual Academy that critics claimed presented a biased perspective on Israeli history.
In November, concerns were raised by Jewish parents regarding a school fair where students from a Muslim Student Association chapter displayed a Palestinian flag and offered students the chance to wear traditional Arab attire. One student at the booth wore a stole with the phrase, “Jerusalem is ours,” written in Arabic.
In response to Leddy’s comments, the Jewish Federation called for action from the Wissahickon School District. They stated, “Words spoken behind closed doors matter. When those words reflect bias, they erode trust and harm entire communities.” The Federation has requested accountability for both Leddy and the other employee and emphasized the need for a meeting between the superintendent and local Jewish families to address the concerns directly.
The Federation further urged the Wissahickon School District to commit to comprehensive education on antisemitism and all forms of discrimination. They stressed the importance of ongoing education for staff and faculty, advocating for proactive measures rather than reactive responses to crises.
In concluding their statement, the Federation affirmed, “Jewish families want what all families want: to know that their children are respected, supported, and safe at school.” They underscored the necessity for the district to approach this situation with care, clarity, and accountability to restore confidence within the community.
