By Dara Kaufman / Executive Director, Jewish Federation of the Berkshires
As some of you may know, I was appointed by Governor Maura Healey to serve on the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. Since our first meeting this past fall, the Commission has convened several times to hear testimonies from stakeholders, including policy experts, mental health professionals, community members, educators, and students. These conversations have provided crucial insights into the challenges Jewish communities face and the systemic nature of antisemitism in Massachusetts, particularly within K-12 schools.
Commission co-chairs Representative Simon Cataldo (D-14th Middlesex) and Senator John Velis (D-Hamden and Hampshire) have committed to gathering input from a diverse range of organizations, subject matter experts, and residents across the Commonwealth to better understand experiences and perspectives on antisemitism. All hearings are part of a broader process aimed at developing recommendations that positively impact the lived experiences of Jews in the Commonwealth, enhance our sense of safety and belonging, and promote a broader understanding of best practices for all vulnerable communities.
A key focus of the Commission’s work thus far has been to gain a deeper understanding of antisemitism within K-12 schools while examining the educational resources and tools available to educators. Education plays a vital role in shaping students' awareness of Jewish heritage and understanding of antisemitism, and is essential in preventing the spread of bias and hate in society.
At its January hearing, the Commission explored the status of antisemitism in schools, with a focus on Holocaust and antisemitism education. A troubling ADL Center on Antisemitism Research study identified that 71% of Jewish parents and 38% of non-Jewish parents surveyed were aware that their child or another child experienced antisemitism in their schools.
Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, a psychologist who presented at the hearing, highlighted the severe emotional and psychological toll that antisemitism in schools can have on Jewish students. Her testimony emphasized that antisemitism is not merely a series of isolated incidents, but an issue that affects entire families and communities.
We also heard how organizations like Facing History and Ourselves are playing an important role in equipping educators with the tools and resources to confront antisemitism and teach about the Holocaust. Their teacher training programs and educational materials are key tools in fostering a deeper understanding of Jewish history and the dangers of hate. Only 29 states require Holocaust education, and few schools offer dedicated lessons on antisemitism.
Jewish Federation of the Berkshires, through the leadership of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the Massachusetts Association of Jewish Federations, advocated for the Genocide Education Act, which was signed by Governor Charlie Baker in 2021. The act requires all MA middle and high schools to provide instruction on the history of genocide aligned with the state's history and social science curriculum framework. We continue to advocate for the annual funding needed to implement this education mandate effectively.
During the February hearing, serious concerns were raised about the educational materials distributed by the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) to its members regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Commission co-chairs pointed out the lack of Jewish and Israeli perspectives, and that some of the material presented violent rhetoric against Israel and antisemitic imagery, all of which misrepresent historical and political realities and perpetuated harmful antisemitic stereotypes.
It was a tense and difficult meeting. While Commission co-chair Cataldo questioned the MTA president about disturbing materials on their site, he was heckled by an audience member who called out “Senator McCarthy!” In an Instagram post after the meeting, co-chair Cataldo shared that this is a real-time example of the type of gaslighting Jews and non-Jews are subjected to when they raise issues and concerns about antisemitism in today's environment.
Just one week later, after significant media attention, the MTA decided to review and remove some of these materials. However, the ongoing absence of nuanced perspectives on this complex issue remains concerning. There is a clear line between legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and rhetoric that crosses into antisemitism. Failing to make this distinction harms thoughtful dialogue and fosters a hostile environment for Jewish students.
Educators need to be equipped with the proper resources to teach about this conflict in all its complexity. It is possible to discuss the Israel-Palestine issue and its dual narratives without resorting to antisemitism. Educational resources must ensure that no student feels marginalized or unsafe.
At our most recent meeting, which was held in March in Springfield, Rabbi Jodie Gordon of Hevreh of Southern Berkshire did an excellent job presenting the challenges we have been facing here in the Berkshires. She highlighted the importance of education and outreach and the building of relationships locally, especially in the interfaith community. She suggested teachers need the support and resources to engage in “difficult conversations” in the classroom, rather than simply taking a stance of being “pro- this or pro- that,” and emphasized the need to teach students “to think critically, because we're presenting them a multinarrative view of history and current events.”
Rabbi Amy Walk of Temple Beth El in Springfield highlighted a growing toxic environment over the last few years that has gotten so bad that it has pushed Jewish teachers and students to leave schools in the Pioneer Valley. “I am mindful that not every moment is a crisis or a catastrophic moment,” Walk shared, “but there is this consistent delegitimization and demonization, not only of Israel, but of Jewish feelings, Jewish pain, and Jewish fear.”
Finally, the Commissioner of the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), Russell D. Johnston, reviewed the states standards as they relate to teaching about the Holocaust and antisemitism and presented the progress they have made concerning the 2021 Genocide Education Act, as well as providing resources relative to antisemitism and societal bias as mandated in the State’s FY2025 budget, Section 106.
Johnston also presented a progress report on genocide education in all middle and high schools. In their most recent survey, 76% of schools surveyed reported having a required course on genocide, and of those, 89% are teaching about the Holocaust. The Commissioner took a strong and unequivocal stance on the need for Holocaust education and shared that his team is working on creating a rubric for teaching MA students about antisemitism. The Commission will have a chance to weigh in on that material once a draft is released to the public.
As we move forward, it’s clear that there is much more work to do and many additional areas that the commission must delve into, including higher education, law enforcement, and antisemitism in the workplace. Antisemitism is real, it is dangerous, and it is rising. To be effective, our work must continue to be based on solid data and lived experiences, focusing on meaningful, actionable solutions and best practices that address the challenges Jewish communities are facing today.
I am deeply grateful to Representative Cataldo and Senator Velis for their exceptional vision and leadership as co-chairs of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism. It is vital that they hear your support and encouragement as they continue to lead the charge in combatting antisemitism. They can be reached at:
Senator John Velis, john.velis@masenate.gov, (617)-722-1415
Representative Simon Cataldo, simon.cataldo@mahouse.gov, (617) 722-2000, x 8876