Deb Friedman: New antisemitism commission must have broad representation

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Published: 10-09-2024 5:16 PM

Like all forms of hatred, antisemitism must be fought directly, aggressively, and with broad participation. Yet a budget amendment was used to create the state’s new Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism — a backdoor effort aimed at shaping policy through two outside sections, advocated by Israel-aligned groups. Despite 64 organizations and 1,100-plus individuals expressing concern for a diversity of perspectives to be included, both sections were incorporated into the budget as written, without the input provided by well-known progressive Jewish and anti-racist voices.

One of the two outside sections directs the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to offer materials and training to schools, including “guidance to assist in the selection of materials.” The coalition that submitted concerns has expressed a fear that the commission will primarily include lobbyists who will recommend new requirements for Israel-aligned instruction in Massachusetts schools. In fact, among the first members to have been appointed to the commission are representatives of the Anti-Defamation League and the Jewish Community Relations Council, organizations that support Israel’s policies to a large degree. (See “Educators Beware: The Anti-Defamation League Is Not the Social Justice Partner It Claims to Be,” rethinkingschools.org/.)

For a commission that isn’t deeply biased, we should make sure it also includes critics of Israel’s government, not just supporters — Israel doesn’t represent or speak for all Jews. There also is bias in the fact that Massachusetts has nothing similar that specifically combats Islamophobia and anti-Arab hatred, which have risen more than 100% as well.

Deb Friedman

Easthampton

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