Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workplace Antisemitism topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Research shows surge in Jewish employee networks; panel asks state to support workplace ERGs and antisemitism training
Summary
Witnesses told the commission a national study found a large rise in Jewish employee resource groups since Oct. 2023 and that many Jewish workers report feeling unsafe; they urged the Commonwealth to provide resources for ERGs, require agency training, and create a statewide resource portal.
Rebecca Lehman, chief of staff at CLAL’s Jewish at Work initiative, presented survey findings and recommendations to the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. Lehman said a 2024 study surveyed almost 1,500 Jewish employees and ran 58 focus groups. She reported a 709% increase in participating Jewish ERGs (from 44 to 312) between October 2023 and October 2024 and said one‑third of Jewish employees nationally report feeling unsafe at work. Boston respondents reported lower levels of fear (22%) compared with 32% nationally.
Lehman recommended the Commonwealth support Jewish ERGs by ensuring access to a resource portal, vetted speakers and leadership training. Karen (Combined Jewish Philanthropies) described local work providing stipends, training and programming to ERG leaders and urged the commission to encourage state agencies to identify and support internal ERGs.
Commissioners asked about nonprofit and arts sectors, and witnesses said local research is ongoing; Lehman asked the state to consider mandating antisemitism and cultural‑awareness training across large employers and state agencies to ensure leaders know how to respond to incidents.
The panel stressed that ERG leaders often shoulder this work in addition to full‑time jobs and called for funding and shared resources to avoid burnout and ensure Jewish employees are protected and supported.
