The Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism in Massachusetts convened on October 29, 2024, to address the rising concerns surrounding antisemitism in the state. The meeting focused on various aspects of antisemitism, including its manifestations, the role of law enforcement, and community responses.

The session began with discussions on the complexities of identifying antisemitism, particularly in the context of recent events. Commissioners noted the challenges in distinguishing between right-wing and left-wing antisemitism, emphasizing the need for clearer definitions and understanding of these gray areas. One commissioner highlighted the importance of recognizing antisemitic incidents, such as vandalism in public spaces, and ensuring proper reporting mechanisms are in place.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the work of the Massachusetts Task Force on Hate Crimes. It was reported that every town in Massachusetts now has a designated civil rights officer trained to identify and report hate crimes. This initiative aims to improve the recognition and documentation of antisemitic acts across the state.

Melissa Garlick, Associate Vice President at Combined Jewish Philanthropies, presented on the newly established Center for Combating Antisemitism. She outlined the center's mission to unify efforts against antisemitism in Greater Boston, emphasizing the importance of strategic coordination among various organizations. Garlick reported that the center has allocated $1.7 million in grants to local partners focused on education and prevention initiatives.

The meeting also addressed the need for enhanced training for law enforcement officers regarding hate crimes. Commissioners expressed concern that while designated civil rights officers exist, broader training is necessary to ensure all officers can effectively recognize and report hate crimes.

Garlick further discussed the center's initiatives in K-12 education and workplace settings, noting the importance of creating safe environments for Jewish students and employees. She highlighted the center's efforts to provide emergency funds for student organizations and to foster cross-community collaboration to combat antisemitism.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue evaluating the effectiveness of interventions and to report back on progress made in addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts. The commissioners expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts underway and the potential for meaningful change in combating antisemitism in the state.