Commission on combating antisemitism addresses hate crimes

BOSTON (WWLP) - The Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism held a hearing on Monday about the concerning rise of antisemitism and extremism in the Bay State.

This group was established following the October 7 attacks in 2023 and the following rise in violence against Jewish Massachusetts residents.

Western Massachusetts Senator John Velis heads up the commission and opened the meeting, acknowledging extremism on both sides of the aisle. "This special commission will not hesitate to follow and confront antisemitism wherever it rears its vile and repugnant head, whether it's from the left or the right," said Velis.

A researcher from the Anti-Defamation League's Center on Extremism presented an analysis of hate group trends and led a discussion on the tactics extremists are using to gain momentum.
He explained how right-wing extremist groups are co-opting language in the news to normalize antisemitism.

"They saw criticism of Israel as a way of maybe bringing in people who might not necessarily be as antisemitic as they are by swapping out the term 'Jew' for 'Zionist,'" said researcher Ben Popp.

Notably, valid criticism of Zionism can exist separately from antisemitism, and the ADL's research is meant to make people aware of hate groups' tactics.

This commission regularly accepts public comment, and 22News will keep you posted on the steps this commission takes to reduce hate incidents.