State Commission Gathers Testimony on Rising Antisemitism in K-12 Education

The Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism in Massachusetts held its fifth meeting at the Springfield Jewish Community Center, focusing on antisemitism in K-12 schools amidst a significant rise in anti-Jewish hate crimes, which saw a 70% increase in 2023. Commission members heard from various community leaders, including Rabbi Amy Wallk, who emphasized the need for education to combat prevailing antisemitic attitudes. Concurrently, the Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) has been actively promoting legislation across multiple states to formally define antisemitism and address discrimination in educational institutions. A federal task force is also engaging with city leaders in major urban areas to discuss antisemitism responses on campuses and schools, following a surge in incidents post-October 2023. Additionally, the documentary “October 8” highlights the rise of antisemitism on college campuses amid the Israel-Gaza conflict and critiques institutions for their handling of Jewish student safety. These developments reflect a growing national concern about antisemitism and the urgent call for legislative and educational reforms.