10-03-2025
Special Commission on anti-Semitism to meet Tuesday
LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) – The Commonwealth's Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism will be holding a meeting in Longmeadow on Tuesday.
The Commission is holding several meetings across the state to discuss the concerns of Jewish communities regarding anti-Semitism, laws, legislation and protections, and educational programs.
Antisemitic hate crimes reach eight-year high across Massachusetts
According to a news release sent to 22News from Senator Velis' office, the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security's annual report found that 119 incidents of anti-Jewish hate crimes were reported in 2023 in Massachusetts, which is a 70% spike from the previous year and an eight year high.
The meeting is being held both in-person and virtually, on March 11, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Springfield Jewish Community Center in Longmeadow. The agenda and link to the live stream can be found on the legislature's website.
Senator John C. Velis and Representative Simon J. Cataldo, co-chairs of the Commission, will be joined by Rabbi Jordie Gordon, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire, Molly Parr, 1st Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, Rabbi Amy Wallk, Temple Beth El, Rabbi Ariella Rosen, Congregation B'nai Israel, Dr. Nicole Collins, Faculty at John F. Kennedy Middle School (Springfield), Dr. Russell Johnston, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and Holocaust Survivor Henia (Henny) Lewin, former Professor at University of Vermont.
The Commission was created by the Massachusetts Legislature and includes members appointed by the Legislature, Governor, state agencies, and organizations.
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