(Springfield- 3/11/2025) Today, Senator John C. Velis (D-Westfield) chaired the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism’s fifth meeting at the Springfield Jewish Community Center (JCC). During the meeting the commission had the opportunity to discuss trends in Western Massachusetts with community members, educators, and local Rabbis. This marks the first of several community meetings of the Special Commission to hear from those with subject knowledge expertise from throughout the Commonwealth.
“Ensuring Western Massachusetts has a seat at the table is always at the forefront of my mind with everything and anything that I do, That’s why from the onset of the Special Commission I was adamant that we needed to take the opportunity to come meet Western Massachusetts’s vibrant Jewish community right where they are,” shared Senator John C. Velis , co-chair of the Special Commission. “I am so grateful for all of our speakers from throughout our region who took the time to share their experiences with the Commission and most especially to our gracious hosts at the JCC for making this hearing possible in the first place.”
“The Springfield Jewish Community Center is honored to host this discussion about an issue that is extremely important to the Jewish, and wider, communities locally,” said Karen Jarmoc, CEO of the Springfield Jewish Community Center. “We very much appreciate that the Commission is holding this meeting in Western Massachusetts and taking the time to hear about trends and concerns in the Pioneer Valley and in Berkshire County from community members.”
Last spring, Senator Velis sponsored legislation, that was later signed into law, to create the Special Commission which includes members appointed by the Legislature, Governor, state agencies, and organizations. The legislation also instructed the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to provide curriculum, resources, and professional development to school districts to teach students about antisemitism in age-appropriate ways. During Tuesday’s hearing the Commission also received an update on these ongoing efforts from DESE Acting Commissioner Russell Johnson.
The Commission is tasked with putting forth recommendations this fall on ways that Commonwealth can combat the alarming rise in antisemitism across the state and implement the White House’s National Strategy on Counter Antisemitism. Senator Velis shared that the Commission intends to continue to have hearings across the state ahead of the November 30th reporting deadline.
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