(Westfield – 1/2/2025) Senator John C. Velis, co-chair of Massachusetts’ first statutory Commission on Combating Antisemitism, today highlighted the stateās recent Hate Crimes report that found antisemitic hate crimes rose for a third straight year in Massachusetts. The Executive Office of Public Safety and Securityās annual report found that 119 incidents of anti-Jewish hates crimes were reported in 2023, which is a 70% spike from the previous year and an eight year high for the Commonwealth.
āIt is absolutely disgusting that such vile acts of hate continue to be committed in our Commonwealth and this report underscores how important it is that the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism was organized at this time with such a specific focus and mission,ā shared Senator Velis. āFor too long I have heard from neighbors and friends in the Jewish community about the disturbing acts of hate that they encounter. Far too many have become fearful altogether of sharing that they are Jewish. Its beyond time that we stand up for our community members and find ways to reverse these alarming trends.ā
Following conversations with constituents who have personally experienced acts of antisemitism, Senator Velis offered an amendment, that was later signed into law, to create the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. Velis shared that the Special Commission continues will continue to hold hearings throughout the Commonwealth over the next year and plans to specifically consider ways the state can bolster its efforts in addressing and documenting reports of hate crimes.
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