I am pleased to report to you that on Thursday, November 20th, at its sixteenth and final public meeting, the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism made final edits and revisions to, and then unanimously approved, its final report. We also invite you to hear directly from a broad range of public officials who have voiced their support for this report. The report will be released on November 30th when the Commission formally ends — and JCRC will post a link to it on our social media at that time.

Together, with your participation, we have reached an important milestone in a yearlong effort to understand, confront, and respond to the realities of antisemitism across our Commonwealth. This report brings together the Commission’s findings, offers a set of concrete recommendations, and outlines the steps needed to move from study to action. It represents the completion of a significant body of public work, and the beginning of the work that now matters most: implementation.

***

At Thursday’s meeting our final presentation came from Massachusetts Treasurer Deb Golberg, the highest-ranking Jewish woman to ever hold constitutional office in the Commonwealth — and a dear friend. She spoke powerfully about her family’s history and experiences, and why this work was necessary.

Here’s a short clip, and I strongly encourage you to check out her full comments:

***

It remains essential to recognize the experiences that led to the creation of this Commission in the first place: antisemitism in Massachusetts is present and rising, it occurs in both individual and systematic ways, and it continues to cause deep harm to Jewish residents. On behalf of the broad network of Jewish communal organizations represented by JCRC Boston, I appreciate the Governor, legislative leadership, and the entire Legislature in establishing this Commission and in setting the expectation that the Commonwealth will lead the way in addressing this challenge guiding by the principles we value in all our work — a commitment to a just and pluralistic Commonwealth.

It has been my great honor to serve on the Commission, and I am very grateful to Senate President Spilka for her confidence in appointing me. We are so appreciative for the collective and thoughtful work of each Commissioner, which was led with clarity by Chairs Senator Velis and Representative Cataldo. Many of the 18 other commissioners are not Jewish and they chose to put in copious hours over the past year to listen, learn, and act. This is allyship at its best, and we don’t take it lightly.

***

Throughout the past year, the Commission heard testimony and perspectives that reveal the scope and urgency of the problem. Jewish students, educators, and community members described how antisemitism shapes their daily lives. Leading subject area experts, grassroots leaders and allies spoke about the work unfolding in cities and towns to confront acts of hate, and the resources required to strengthen those efforts. Public officials and administrators shared the complexities they face in balancing free expression with the obligation to ensure safe and equitable access to civic and educational spaces. These voices guided the Commission’s deliberations and underscore the breadth of collaboration required in the months ahead.

The final report reflects the cumulative impact of a process that reflected a multiplicity of perspectives. Its recommendations offer a thoughtful and practical framework for progress focused on education, consistent and clear policies, and addressing impact of hate and bias. There is meaningful opportunity in the K–12 education proposals, which focus on clearer reporting practices, stronger curriculum support, and transparent accountability. The report also advances important steps regarding college campuses, data collection, and workplace climate. Taken together, these recommendations provide the Commonwealth with a systematic approach for responding to antisemitism and strengthening the infrastructure needed to support inclusive communities.

***

As many of you know, Chair Velis was recently called to active duty in Massachusetts National Guard and was unable to join us for the final meeting. We appreciate his service to our nation.

Watch Chair Cataldo as he concludes the meeting and speaks to the work we have done:

It is worth noting what made this process effective. The Commission was given a clear mandate and a defined timeframe, allowing for focused work that did not duplicate legislative or administrative responsibilities. The structured engagement of experts, community members, agency leaders, and advocates ensured that recommendations were informed by both data and lived experience. This model of disciplined, inclusive inquiry is one that may benefit other complex challenges facing Massachusetts.

***

But our work is not done.

JCRC looks forward to working with policymakers, education leaders, and community partners to ensure that the Commission’s recommendations translate into meaningful, measurable change. The scope of the work ahead is significant, but so is the opportunity. Massachusetts has long held the principle that confronting hate requires collective action; we now have a clear recommendation for what shape that action should take.

We need you to continue your efforts as our partners and community members to support implementation.

Take action and tell your representatives on Beacon Hill that you support the report as a valuable roadmap for the Commonwealth to address antisemitism.

Take Action

It is important for your elected officials to hear from constituents about the issues that matter to you.

***

I hope that you’ve found these regular updates over the past year to be helpful. I am grateful for your partnership and we at JCRC will continue to update you and seek your involvement as we move forward with implementation of this historic report.

With gratitude,

Jeremy Burton
Chief Executive Officer, JCRC of Greater Boston

JCRC of Boston

Message History

Delivery option(s)