“I will enthusiastically vote for Akiva for School Committee because of his experience in education and his dedication to navigating difficult political conversations by modeling the behavior he (and I) want to see in the world for our children. I want to see more of that in Town government.”
Shira Fischer, TMM P11
Andrew Fischer, TMM P13
Gina Crandell, former TMM P8
Jennifer Goldsmith, former TMM P11
“Akiva is supported by several folks I very deeply respect. It’s worth noting my friends who support Akiva are devout in their faiths of Judaism and Islam and their deep respective connections to Israel and to the Palestinian people. Other of his supporters are astute policy wonks and brave champions of fair and thoughtful practices in schools and beyond. He has the most varied coalition I could imagine a candidate convening. A candidate who can bridge so many in our community is well deserving of consideration in fractured times and any time.”
Martha Gray, TMM P11
Zsuzsanna Kaldy, TMM P11
David Klafter, TMM P10
Alec Lebovitz, Advisory Committee; TMM P8
Omar Mabrouk, TMM P5
“Akiva is the right guy.”
Beth Miller, TMM P5; previous elected member, Brookline High Advisory Council; 40-year career in education
“Dr. Akiva Leibowitz is one of the most thoughtful, intelligent, courageous, and ethical people I know. He approaches every issue, no matter how contentious, with a calm demeanor rooted in core values of fairness, evidence, and belief in human potential. As a medical doctor, his knowledge of child development and health make him a critical asset to our educational leadership; as a father, his understanding of the experiences of students—and teachers—will result in the best possible schools for Brookline. He is exactly the kind of leader we need in difficult times such as these.”
Amy Isikoff Newell, TMM P7
Elizabeth Schafer, TMM P17
Wendy Stahl, TMM P5
Anne Weaver, TMM P11
Chi Chi Wu, TMM P7
Community Endorsers
Arnaud Amzallag
“Akiva stands with ALL students FOR REAL. His experience founding a multicultural school make him the candidate for this moment in Brookline SC. I’ve never been so sure of my vote.”
Ben Arcila, retired school psychologist
“He represents, in my mind, the best of the spirit of the Brookline community. He is a physician, an intellectual, a volunteer to community and humanitarian causes. I firmly believe he is an outstanding choice for our School Committee.”
Jameelah Arcila
“I am endorsing Akiva for School Committee with confidence he will work always on behalf of my daughter and her teachers.”
Maya Beit Arie
Naama Beit Arie Shlonsky
“Free speech, dialogue and tolerance of others who are ‘different’ than us (in a multitude of ways) is what makes the Brookline schools unique. Akiva is committed to advance this so-important facet of our community, especially during these complex, indeed, divisive times. He has the skills, experience and passion that our community needs, now more than ever.”
Oren Beit Arie
“For saying in a clear voice that ‘We need to protect free speech and the freedom of the teachers to teach what they feel they need to teach,’ … ‘We need to protect our students to be able to engage in critical inquiry and intellectual curiosity.’ And even more importantly: for standing up and acting upon these values.”
Rebecca Blouwolff, local public educator and BHS parent
Quintin Boger
Hajar Delshad
Shoshanna Ehrlich
Susan Etscovitz
Joy Hanken, DASEP teacher
Masu Haque, resident; former Heath (now Hayes) PTO Co-Chair; former BHS Innovation Fund Vice-Chair
“Akiva’s ability to bring nuanced perspective and people together to solve problems is critically needed on School Committee and in Brookline right now. We can count on him to do what is best for students AND teachers in the PSB.”
Ralph Minichiello
Miriam Gorman
“In the years since I have known him and especially evident in the years since my children have been enrolled in Brookline schools, I have witnessed his commitment to the success of our students. His founding of a thriving school dedicated to providing excellent equitable education to a diverse population will serve the town well as he works with, and for, its members.”
Shula Gilad
Lisa Guisbond
“I am thrilled to support Akiva for School Committee. Our schools will benefit from his wisdom, thoughtfulness, and fairness. A highly qualified candidate!”
ShanShan Guo
Faiza Khan
Mara Krechevsky
Jennifer Lewin
“Akiva is a fearless, honest, and brave voice for democratic values. Moreover, he has confidence in Brookline teachers. I have confidence he will represent and fight for fairness, justice, and inclusion for all.”
Zahriyannah Mohammadi Karakashian-Jones
“At a time when our most essential liberties—free speech, academic freedom, and inclusivity—are being challenged across the country, Akiva is the bold, thoughtful, and compassionate leader we need. He doesn’t just speak about justice—he lives it. He understands that safety, support, and honest dialogue are essential for all of Brookline’s communities—especially those that are marginalized or feeling unheard. Brookline deserves leadership that refuses to look away from complexity and rises to meet the moment with clarity and compassion. Akiva is that leader.“
Martha Leader
“I deeply admire and applaud his work bringing Palestinians and Jews together and being a voice opposing the Israeli state’s slaughter of Palestinians. I didn’t have to hear more than his opening statement on a forum to know he will have my vote.”
Ralph Minichiello
Mona Mowafi, resident and non-profit leader
“I enthusiastically support Akiva for school committee because I know he will apply consistent reasoning and thoughtfulness in his decision-making, and because he has the experience we need to navigate this fraught moment in our country and in our community. Akiva’s life’s work shows that he is consistent in living values we care about in Brookline – of critical inquiry, equity, excellence and mutual respect. I am proud to support Akiva as I know that he will be the even-handed and thoughtful leader we need at this time.”
Raana Mumtaz, resident and BHS PTO Co-President
“Akiva’s commitment for free speech and freedom to teach are the two most important factors that will allow Brookline Public Schools to excel in all facets. He is the right person for School Committee. Being an MD allows him to listen attentively, get to the root of the problem and come up with a solution.”