Here's what the state's antisemitism commission found - and what it thinks we should do about it

"Citing a "pervasive and escalating" threat of antisemitism in Massachusetts schools and workplaces, a state-appointed commission has put forth a sweeping set of recommendations aimed at combatting anti-Jewish sentiment. Unanimously approved last month, the report from the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism debuted to mixed reception; while proponents praised the commission for offering a blueprint to a more welcoming Massachusetts, some critics felt its findings missed the mark."

"The non-binding recommendations call for state leaders to fight antisemitism "the Massachusetts Way," through a combination of proposals meant to promote inclusivity, bolster anti-bias education, and improve channels for monitoring and reporting potential hate crimes. "The Massachusetts Way reflects our belief that combating antisemitism must combine strong civil rights protections, civic education, and moral responsibility," the commission wrote in its final report."

"Commissioners also argued that the state "must combat antisemitism in a way that distinguishes between good-faith criticism of the actions and policies of Israel's government, on the one hand, and advocacy that condones or supports the elimination of Jews and the State of Israel." Since Hamas's Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive, "antisemitism has manifested in new and troubling ways, particularly in K-12 schools, on college and university campuses, and in the workplace," the commission found."

A state-appointed Special Commission identified a pervasive and escalating threat of antisemitism in Massachusetts schools, college campuses, and workplaces and proposed non-binding recommendations combining civil-rights protections, civic education, and moral responsibility. The recommendations promote inclusivity, bolster anti-bias education, and expand monitoring and reporting channels for potential hate crimes. The commission urged state leaders to fight antisemitism "the Massachusetts Way" through policy and community measures. Commissioners stressed distinguishing good-faith criticism of Israel's government from advocacy that condones or supports elimination of Jews and the State of Israel. Families and teachers reported swastika graffiti, Holocaust jokes, and 'Zionist' name-calling since Oct. 7, 2023.

Read at Boston.com