SHNS: Antisemitism Panel Chair Expects "Strong, Clear" Recommendations
State House News Service: “At their first meeting this week, members of a new state panel tasked with combating the scourge of antisemitism in Massachusetts outlined priority issues, as well as the vitriol they have personally experienced over the past year.
The commission, established through a fiscal 2025 state budget amendment, comes in the wake of Hamas's deadly attack on Israel in October 2023, which fueled a spike in antisemitic incidents across New England and controversial campus protests over the war in Gaza.
Commission members -- who represent state government, the Jewish community, law enforcement and higher education, among other areas -- are supposed to deliver recommendations to the Legislature, including on how to implement the White House's strategy to combat antisemitism, by the end of November. But with the panel just beginning its work, the Senate last week approved a plan to grant the commission a one-year extension in a spending bill that still needs to be reconciled with the House.
Co-chair Rep. Simon Cataldo said he and his counterpart, Sen. John Velis, are "focused on outcomes."
"The public should expect strong, clear and specific recommendations when our work is complete," Cataldo said at the meeting Tuesday. "We will approach thorny questions humbly, diligently and with an open mind. We will do our best to draw in voices that are not already represented on this commission, including but not limited to Orthodox Jews, Israeli Jews and those who may have differing opinions about what counts as antisemitism."
The Concord Democrat described Judaism as the "greatest gift that my parents gave me."
Cataldo said the commission is slated to meet monthly, as members must also report on antisemitism data and trends in Massachusetts, identify and evaluate existing efforts here, explore best practices in other states, and assess any needed changes to hate crime statutes.
Members did not delve into concrete timelines for their work or specific tasks they intend to accomplish before reconvening, though they signaled their mission is increasingly urgent. Gov. Maura Healey, who has authority to appoint two members to the group, announced her selections Tuesday. Cataldo and Velis were tapped to lead the group in early October.”
