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New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Ex-AOC youth organizer Iman Abdul busted for urging 'attack' on Jewish students 'grew up in a mansion,' classmate says
The self-described 'youth organizer' for 'Squad' Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who allegedly urged a hate-filled 'attack' on Jewish students at a Brooklyn public high school, was herself a graduate of the school and a popular teen who was voted 'biggest flirt,' a classmate told The Post. She was one of the popular students and definitely had a good time there,' Alina Bernstern said of Iman Abdul, a fellow 2016 alum of Leon M. Goldstein High School for the Sciences in Manhattan Beach, adding that Abdul took part in the school's annual SING! musical show and 'grew up in a mansion.' 'She didn't show any kind of radical tendencies back then,' recalled Bernstein, who took an elective on social justice with Abdul. Advertisement 3 A former classmate said Abdul was a popular student at Leon Goldstein HS — which she identified in a social media post as 'a public school in NYC to attack for whatever reason.' Obtained by the NY Post 'Fear is stupid, so is regret,' reads a quote, attributed to Marilyn Monroe, under Abdul's yearbook photo. Abdul, 27, went on to become the 'face of youth organization' and volunteered on AOC's successful 2018 congressional campaign, Bernstein said. Advertisement A spokesperson for Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) insisted to Fox News that Abdul was never 'staff.' 'Their comments are appalling and we condemn threats of violence without hesitation,' the spokesperson said. Abdul said in a 2019 interview she worked as a youth organizer for the socialist pol, but the web page with the article was deleted after her arrest. But critics note that the congresswoman, who has an audience of 9.4 million on Instagram, included Abdul among the 3,126 accounts she followed. 'I think it proves that she was part of AOC's campaign or knew her in some way,' Bernstein said. Advertisement 3 Abdul was named as the school's 'biggest flirt,' the yearbook shows. Obtained by the NY Post Abdul is accused of posting a screenshot of the location of Goldstein HS on Google Maps. The caption: 'If anyone needs a public school in NYC to attack for whatever reason … Lexus driving Israhell (sic) loving Zionisits (sic) all attend here.' 'That made me laugh,' said Bernstein, who is Jewish, 'because she grew up in a mansion, having more money than most of the Jews in our school, and drove a Range Rover.' In Instragam posts added by Abdul, she called Bernstein 'a Zionist bitch,' adding, 'Zio girls always be the most p—y' Advertisement The NYPD arrested Abdul on Aug. 9, a day after her post appeared, charging her with making a terroristic threat, acting in a manner injurious to a child, aggravated harassment, and making a threat of mass harm. 3 Abdul, whose social media post sparked her arrest on a charge of making a terroristic threat, quickly hired a high-profile criminal defense attorney. Obtained by the NY Post She was released without bail and set to face the charges on Nov. 19. Abdul immediately hired criminal defense attorney, Geoffrey St. Andrew Stewart. He is the son of the late Lynne Stewart, an infamous lawyer convicted and imprisoned for helping client Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman, an Egyptian terrorist, communicate with his followers. 'It is alarming that Iman Abdul has retained a high-profile attorney associated with someone who defended individuals accused of terrorism,' said Matthew Spern, president of United Jewish Teachers. 'The fact that she is out on no bail until November should be a significant concern for all New Yorkers.' Stewart did not return messages seeking comment. Advertisement Abdul, who could not be reached for comment, worked as a director of the AM:PM Gallery in Brooklyn. The gallery did not return a message about Abdul's employment. Representatives of Rep. Ocasio-Cortez did not respond to requests for comment.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
These 6 public high schools in New York are worth considering for students in the US
In 2025, the conversation around choosing the right high school is expanding beyond district lines. Whether it's access to top-ranked academics, competitive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, or a vibrant extracurricular ecosystem, students across the United States are increasingly looking to public high schools in cities like New York to shape their future. New York City, with its diverse student population and longstanding investment in gifted education, is home to some of the most prestigious public high schools in the country. These institutions do more than prepare students for college, they foster communities that value innovation, student voice, and academic intensity. According to Niche , an independent platform that ranks schools based on academics, student life, and college readiness, several public high schools in New York stand out for their exceptional performance and well-rounded student experience. Here are six public high schools in New York that are worth considering for students across the US. Stuyvesant High School Location: Manhattan Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1 Often regarded as the crown jewel of New York's specialised high schools, Stuyvesant High School consistently ranks at number 1 among public high schools in the state. With math and reading proficiency levels at 99% and 98% respectively, it's no surprise that the academic reputation is formidable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo But what makes Stuyvesant stand out is its dynamic student culture. 94% of students report feeling safe, and nearly 80% say they feel happy at school. Signature events like SING! and Club Pub Fair foster a sense of belonging in a high-pressure academic environment. With over 100 clubs and one of the most advanced STEM curricula in the public school system, Stuyvesant is a compelling option for high-achieving students nationwide. Bronx High School of Science Location: Bronx Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1 A longtime rival to Stuyvesant, Bronx Science is another elite institution that merges academic rigor with a tradition of excellence. Known for its Nobel Prize-winning alumni and research-focused programs, the school ranks number 2 in New York and number 1 for public high school teachers across the state. Students here are both intellectually driven and community-oriented, with annual events like Spirit Week and Spork Wars adding balance to a packed academic schedule. While 86% of students say they feel safe and 74% feel happy, it's the competitive atmosphere and strong college prep support that attract families from all over the US. Staten Island Technical High School Location: Staten Island Student-Teacher Ratio: 19:1 For students interested in engineering, design, and computer science, Staten Island Tech offers one of the most well-rounded technical education experiences in the public system. The school maintains a near-perfect graduation rate and places high in both college prep and teaching quality. An impressive 97% of students say they feel safe at school, and 89% report feeling happy. Students often cite Senior Dress-Up Week and Field Day as key highlights of the year. With highly engaged teachers, 94% of students say their teachers care. This school offers both structure and support for teens exploring STEM-focused futures. Townsend Harris High School Location: Queens Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 Ranked among the top five public high schools in New York, Townsend Harris is known for its blend of humanities excellence and multicultural student engagement. It's one of the few schools where creative and competitive energies co-exist. 90% of students describe the school as competitive, while 84% also see it as creative and artsy. Annual events like the Festival of Nations and Founder's Day reflect the school's inclusive ethos. With a 99% graduation rate and a student body that genuinely values collaboration, Townsend Harris appeals to US students looking for a balanced academic and social experience. Scarsdale Senior High School Location: Scarsdale, Westchester County Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Located just outside New York City, Scarsdale Senior High offers a suburban alternative with metropolitan-level academic standards. With a student-teacher ratio of 11:1, the school has long been known for its commitment to instructional quality. While only half of surveyed students reported feeling happy, a figure worth examining, the school's academic outcomes are indisputable. Both math and reading proficiency are at 99%, and the average SAT score is 1440. For US students seeking a rigorous curriculum in a quieter setting, Scarsdale stands out. High School of American Studies at Lehman College Location: Bronx Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1 With its intimate size and college-campus setting, the High School of American Studies (HSAS) offers a different kind of experience. Situated on the Lehman College campus, HSAS blends high school academics with college-level inquiry, especially in the humanities and social sciences. Clubs and activities may be limited compared to larger schools, but the sense of community runs deep. Spirit Week and Homecoming events remain popular, and 95% of students say their teachers are both engaging and caring. For students in the US who value small class sizes and historical inquiry, HSAS is a distinctive option. What makes these schools nationally relevant? While these schools are based in New York, their reputations are national. Students from across the United States often apply through specialised admissions processes or move to nearby districts for access. These schools are magnets not just for talent but for ambition. In 2025, public education in the US is facing a critical transformation. Districts are under pressure to deliver more with fewer resources, yet schools like these are setting standards through innovation, teacher investment, and academic focus. For students considering high school as more than just a four-year academic stopover, these six institutions offer pathways to leadership, creativity, and college readiness. If you're a student or parent exploring public school options beyond your ZIP code, New York's top-performing public high schools make a strong case for going the extra mile, both literally and figuratively. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
