Nation’s Only Special State Legislative Commission on Antisemitism Begins Work on Beacon Hill  

By Dan Seligson

Communal and organizational leaders from across the commonwealth participated in the first-in-the-nation Special Legislative Commission for Combating Antisemitism, led by Co-chairs Senator John Velis and Representative Simon Cataldo, seeking to recommend solutions to the intractable challenge of Jewish hatred.

Melissa Garlick, who leads CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism (CCA), spoke at the meeting, detailing CCA’s efforts to address antisemitism through mobilizing and unifying efforts to educate students, increase collaboration among faith communities, and bolster security for Jewish institutions and spaces.  
 
Garlick said the first meeting represented a “milestone day for everyone who has engaged for a strong response to growing antisemitism in our community.” 
 
In her remarks, Garlick said a critical first step for the commission is to figure out the scope of and spaces in which Jewish hatred is rife in the commonwealth.  
 
“We must commit to understanding the conditions of the past year that led to the surge of anti-Jewish rhetoric and action and the antisemitism going unchecked in all sectors of our society,” she said. 
 
Gov. Maura Healey, in a statement issued in advance of the first commission meeting, called antisemitism in the commonwealth and beyond “alarming, heartbreaking, and unacceptable.” 
 
“We recognize the pain and trauma this has caused for our Jewish community, and we are committed to combating it,” she continued. “We look forward to the important work that [the Commission] will do to advise us on how we combat antisemitism and hate in our communities and make sure everyone in Massachusetts is safe and respected.”  
 
With the first meeting now behind them, the work begins — policy recommendations, programs, and educational opportunities to address the growing scourge of antisemitism here, around the country, and globally.  
 
In a note to volunteers at the conclusion of the commission meeting, Garlick said she and partner organizations — including the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, Anti-Defamation League, AJC New England, and others — will look beyond short-term approaches to address antisemitism and focus on longer-term strategies that will be effective in the future.  
 
“This is crucial first step,” Garlick said.  
 
The meeting can be watched here. 

Dan Seligson is CJP’s senior director of strategy and impact communications.