Hearing DetailsCombatting Antisemitism

Event Details

Status:

Completed

Event Date:

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Start Time:

1:00 PM

Location:

Springfield Jewish Community Center

Event Description

Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, Representative Simon Cataldo & Senator John C. Velis, Co-Chairs, Commission Meeting #5

REVISED AGENDA -

Addition of agenda items #7 for additional discussion on trends in Western Massachusetts, #10 for additional discussion on balancing perspectives in responding to antisemitism, and #11 for additional discussion on experiences in school settings and research.

Renumbering of various agenda items.

Posted Thursday, March 7, 2025, 3:30 PM

Original Agenda posted Monday, March 3, 2025, 3:30 PM.

AGENDA

1. Roll Call

2. Approve Prior Meeting Minutes: February 10, 2025

3. Opening Statements of the Chairs and Announcements – Sen. Velis and Rep. Cataldo

4. Overview of Meeting Agenda

5. Discussion on concerns in Berkshire County and small rural Jewish communities - Rabbi Jordie Gordon, Hevreh of Southern Berkshire

6. Discussion on trends in Western Massachusetts and community responses to antisemitic incidents - Molly Parr, 1^st Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts

7. Discussion on trends in Western Massachusetts and responses from Jewish communities – Rabbi Amy Wallk, Temple Beth El

8. Discussion on genocide and Holocaust education curricula and resources provided to schools on antisemitism - Dr. Russell Johnston, Acting Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)

9. Discussion on community education efforts on antisemitism and Holocaust – Henia (Henny) Lewin, past Board Member of the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts and former Professor at University of Vermont

10. Discussion on viewpoint diversity, and balancing different perspectives in responding to antisemitism – Rabbi Ariella Rosen, Congregation B’nai Israel

11. Discussion on experiences in school settings and research on Jewish issues and antisemitism – Dr. Nicole Collins, Faculty at John F. Kennedy Middle School (Springfield), Asnuntuck Community College, American International College

12. Adjourn

This virtual meeting will be viewable by the public via a livestream that can be found on the https://malegislature.gov/ website. Please be advised that the schedule and agenda are subject to change at the discretion of the co-chairs. You may contact the Commission Chairs with any questions at SCCA@malegislature.gov.

Meeting Materials

1. Draft February 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes

2. Genocide Education Session Law

3. Genocide Education General Law

4. DESE History and Social Science Framework (2018)

5. FY2025 Budget Section 106

6. DESE Resources Relative to Antisemitism and Societal Bias

Item Name	Start Time	Duration	Webcast
Combatting Antisemitism - 3-11-2025	3/11/2025 1:00 PM	04:18:48

Hearing DetailsCombatting Antisemitism

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