A powerful call to action against antisemitism resonated during a recent meeting of the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism in Massachusetts. The spotlight was on Maddie Katzen, a freshman at UMass Lowell, who shared her deeply personal experiences with antisemitism from her school years, highlighting the urgent need for educational reform.

Katzen recounted her first encounter with antisemitism in fifth grade, where she was targeted by peers who created a hateful symbol on the school field. She emphasized the importance of education in preventing such incidents, stating, "Educating students about antisemitism proactively before something happens may very well prevent something like this from happening in other communities." Her testimony underscored the isolation Jewish students often feel, particularly during discussions about the Holocaust, where she was made to feel like an outsider.

The meeting revealed a troubling trend: incidents of antisemitism are not only prevalent but often dismissed as misunderstandings. Katzen recounted a chilling moment in high school when a classmate threatened her with a reference to gas chambers, an incident that received minimal consequences. "Doing nothing is not okay when something like this happens," she asserted, calling for accountability and education.

Katzen's experiences culminated in a plea for comprehensive antisemitism education in schools, which she believes is essential for fostering understanding and empathy among students. "Schools should be a safe and inclusive environment for all students," she stated, advocating for a strategy that addresses the history and consequences of antisemitism.

As antisemitism continues to rise, Katzen's message is clear: education is key to combating hate. The commission's commitment to amplifying student voices and implementing educational reforms could pave the way for a more inclusive future, ensuring that all students feel safe and respected in their learning environments.