Response from DAT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2025

Contact:

Brandon Rattiner

720.989.9505

brattiner@jewishcolorado.org 

Denver Academy of Torah Responds to Antisemitism at School Event

Denver, CO – Denver Academy of Torah (DAT) is deeply troubled by events at a recent high school basketball game, where our students and coaches were subject to inappropriate, painful comments and unsportsmanlike conduct. 

In response to the incident, DAT has taken decisive steps. Rivy Poupko Kletenik, DAT Interim Head of School, shared, “We have met with leaders of the other school to address the gravity of these actions and to chart a constructive path forward. Formal complaints have been filed with the appropriate regulatory bodies and the staff involved have been suspended. As educators, it is our responsibility to model for all students that there is no place for antisemitism. It was deeply heartening to welcome their school leaders to our campus Friday morning. We appreciate their thoughtful, reflective acknowledgement of the episode.”

“Our students are prepared for these types of challenges, as sad as they are,” said Melanie Schoenberger, DAT Board President. “They are also prepared to be Jewish leaders who embody respect, empathy, and the ability to build bridges across differences.”

DAT has been working hand-in-hand with ADL to ensure that they have the essential resources and support that they need to respond to this incident. DAT is grateful for their support throughout this process to ensure our students learn and grow from this incident.

“When students are targeted because of their Jewish identity, they feel less safe and have a decreased sense of belonging,” said ADL Mountain States Regional Director Susan Rona. “It is critical to turn this incident into a teachable moment for all involved so they can understand the impact of their actions and address the root causes of antisemitism. Education is essential to healing from this incident.”

“This incident makes clear that our children are watching and learning from those in leadership roles,” said Brandon Rattiner, Senior Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). “We must do better to see each other’s shared humanity and ensure Jewish students are safe and valued.”

Denver Academy of Torah is a member of the JCRC. For further inquiries or information, please contact Brandon Rattiner of the JCRC.