Massachusetts legislative leaders and the Healey-Driscoll administration stood together on Dec. 17 to commend the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism and its work to address antisemitic incidents and strengthen protections against discrimination and harassment.
The Commission put forward a multi-pronged approach to combating antisemitism, including strengthening education and awareness, highlighting best practices for responding to antisemitic incidents, fostering allyship across religious communities, and enhancing safety for Jewish institutions and places of worship.
“It was very important to me to highlight the good work of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism — especially as the recent horrific violence in Bondi Beach, Australia, has given new urgency to the need to stand up to antisemitic hate,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I would like to thank all of the commissioners, especially Sen. John Veils, who could not be here today because he is on active duty defending our country and its freedoms. With the release of this nation-leading report, we now have a set of concrete, actionable steps to share with educators, public safety officials, community leaders, and others so that we can all fight against darkness and hate and for light and humanity.”
Gov. Maura Healey said, “While we grieve those who were murdered in Sydney over the weekend in a horrific act of antisemitic violence, we are standing together here in Massachusetts today to declare that we will not let antisemitism go unchecked — ever. This report is a critical guide for educating our children, building a better understanding of the Jewish experience, and making it clear that antisemitism has no place in Massachusetts.”
Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said, “We want our Jewish community to feel safe and welcomed in Massachusetts, always and everywhere. This report contains thoughtful and actionable recommendations for how we can do that — and how we can stop antisemitism in its tracks in Massachusetts. We look forward to working with our schools and communities to share knowledge of history and where antisemitism leads, while also uplifting the Jewish experience and Jewish contributions for all to see and celebrate.”
Treasurer Deborah Goldberg said, “Antisemitism is becoming louder, more visible, and more dangerous in our communities. It quickly turns from words into fear and violence. The tragic events in Bondi show why silence is not an option. The Commission’s recommendations provide clear, practical steps to confront antisemitism, protect free speech, and ensure everybody feels safe, respected, and included.”
The final report, released on Dec. 1, included recommended paths forward for K-12 education, higher education, public safety and law enforcement, workplace, and healthcare settings. The report was informed by more than 50 hours of testimony from 16 statewide public meetings, along with Massachusetts- and U.S.-specific data.
The Commission was the first of its kind in the nation created by a legislature to conduct a comprehensive statewide assessment of how antisemitism affects residents and to offer evidence-based recommendations to address it.
“Serving on the Commission was a truly great experience, and I am proud of the work we accomplished. I am particularly pleased with the recommendations regarding education and public safety and the positive impacts they will have on residents across the Commonwealth,” said District Attorney Paul F. Tucker.
The group was created by the legislature and signed into law by Healey in 2024, after the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s report on hate crimes identified a 70% increase in incidents of anti-Jewish crime.
FBI data found that 84.4% of religious bias hate crimes in the Commonwealth were committed against Jews, who make up approximately 5% of the population.
The gathering on Dec. 17 came amid a duality of celebration and mourning for Jewish communities in Massachusetts and around the world, as families honor the light and resilience of Hanukkah while simultaneously grieving the victims of the antisemitic murders in Bondi Beach, Australia.
