The state of Massachusetts saw a 189% increase in antisemitic incidents in 2023, with a total of 440 recorded by the Anti-Defamation League. In response, Governor Maura Healey signed the fiscal 2025 budget, which includes the establishment of a Special Commission on Antisemitism. The commission will report data trends, evaluate hate crime statutes, and recommend strategies to combat antisemitism.
The budget also includes provisions to provide resources to schools to address antisemitism, such as model curricula and professional development training. The goal is to prevent the spread of antisemitic beliefs by educating students about the Jewish experience.
While the measures have been praised by some, there has been pushback from groups like the Council on American-Islamic Relations, who argue that other forms of hate should also be addressed. However, advocates emphasize the need to specifically combat antisemitism and not conflate it with other forms of discrimination.
The commission will consist of a diverse group of stakeholders, including education commissioners, attorneys, and members of Jewish community organizations, tasked with making recommendations to combat antisemitism at all levels of society. The urgency of the situation is highlighted by the tight timeline for the commission to submit its report by November 30.
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