Gaza Schools Plan AI Monitoring of Classroom Speech for Anti-Semitism, Reports Differ on Status

An American nonprofit that operates schools in the Gaza Strip has announced plans to use artificial intelligence to monitor classroom conversations for anti-Semitic expressions, hate speech, and incitement, according to a report from JDN. The initiative was unveiled by Dr. David Hassan, founder and CEO of Gaza Children’s Village. A separate report from Walla Technology identifies Hassan as a Palestinian-born neurosurgeon and Duke University professor who leads the American aid organization behind the plan.

According to JDN, the system would alert Hassan to problematic language so that he could address teachers and provide feedback. JDN reports that recordings would be kept for only 72 hours and that the organization has stated it will not share them with other parties. Walla Technology describes the aim as recording and analyzing classroom conversations to detect potential anti-Semitism or incitement, and says the system would send alerts to Hassan, who could then follow up with teachers about flagged statements.

The two reports differ on the technology’s status. JDN says the technology has reportedly been tested and is intended for use in dozens of classrooms. Walla Technology, citing correspondence with the Associated Press, says the technology has already been tested and is planned for implementation in dozens of classrooms. Walla Technology adds that the AP was unable to verify the system’s operational status. JDN states that the exact implementation timeline, the specific language to be flagged, and whether teachers, students, and families have been informed remain unclear.

The schools involved are operated under the name Hope Academy, according to JDN, which reports that they provide meals, medical care, and mental health support. JDN says the first school opened last summer. Neither report describes the schools’ enrollment or the number of classrooms currently in operation.

Hassan has made claims about the curriculum used in the schools. According to Walla Technology, he says he has removed material from the Palestinian Authority’s curriculum that encourages violence, anti-Semitism, and hostility toward Israel. Walla Technology reports that he has not provided specific examples of this material to the AP. Walla Technology also cites a January 2026 U.S. Government Accountability Office report that highlighted problematic content in Palestinian Authority textbooks, including the use of the term “martyrs” in a mathematical context. The reports do not state whether Hassan’s removals address the content identified in that GAO report.

The plan has drawn controversy. JDN reports that it has sparked disagreement among Palestinian actors and some people within the organization, raising privacy concerns. Walla Technology reports that critics have raised concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of data.