(Boston- 5/23/2024) Yesterday the Massachusetts State Senate unanimously passed (40-0) an amendment that seeks to confront and address the rising act of antisemitism occurring across Massachusetts. The adoption of this amendment comes at a time when Massachusetts is outpacing other states in the frequency of these acts of hate against Jewish Baystate residents and institutions.
The amendment would instruct the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to provide curriculum, resources, and professional development to school districts to teach students about antisemitism in age-appropriate ways. The amendment would also organize a commission to make recommendations on how the Commonwealth can combat the alarming rise in antisemitism and implement the White House’s National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.
“It is deeply disturbing and truthfully infuriating to know that Massachusetts is among those five states that cumulatively make up almost half of our country’s antisemitic acts of hate.” shared Senator John C. Velis “We pride ourselves for being an inclusive and welcoming state here in the Commonwealth; that regardless of your background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or religion that we accept you as you are and will treat you with kindness and respect. But for too many of our Jewish friends and neighbors- we are not living up to our promise.”
According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), who has carefully tracked antisemitic incidents across the nation for almost 45 years; 2023 saw the highest total acts of antisemitism in any year since the ADL began tracking this data. Specifically, Massachusetts saw an 189% increase in antisemitic incidents from 2022 to 2023. This increase was the result of 440 total antisemitic incidents across Massachusetts that included vandalism, harassment, and physical assault targeted at Jewish children, adults, and institutions.
“Hate in all of its forms must always be condemned, and yet Antisemitism has persisted in countless forms for over 2000 years dating back to biblical times.” said Senator Velis. “Tragically, antisemitism continues to not only exist, but is becoming increasingly normalized. I am proud to be apart of a legislative body that is willing to overwhelmingly speak out in the strongest possible way against it and educate others about the harm this it is causing.”
###