On February 10, 2025 Elsa Auerbach, Professor Emerita at the UMass Boston, delivered a powerful speech at the MA Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism in defiance of the Commission’s recent attempts to silence teachers from educating students about anti-Palestinian racism.

Professor Auerbach, a JVP member, and daughter of Holocaust refugees, spoke to the Commission’s continued repression of those teaching about the ongoing hate and prejudice Palestinian’s face. While saying nothing about the actual biggest threat to Jews in the US, white supremacist antisemitism.

The Commission plays a critical role in shaping the Commonwealth’s response to antisemitism. It is essential to ensure that efforts to combat antisemitism also address anti-Palestinian racism and do not equate protected free speech—such as criticism of Israel or discussions on Palestinian perspectives—with antisemitism. Given concerns about the composition of the Commission, careful oversight is necessary to uphold these distinctions.

Here in Massachusetts, we have seen the dangerous consequences of equating anti-Zionism and legitimate criticism of Israel with antisemitism—manifesting in the aggressive and violent suppression of university students advocating for Palestine. This commission holds the power to push Massachusetts toward a similar response by deliberately misinterpreting the meaning of anti-Zionism. JVPB and TIM are committed to ensuring that the Commonwealth’s next steps are inclusive, transparent, and constructive. Our work is driven by a deep and unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all—including both Jews and Palestinians.