Courtesy of JNS. Photo credit: Joshua Qualls/Governor’s Press Office
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey speaks with the state’s former governor, Michael Dukakis, at her first annual State of the Commonwealth address at the State House on Jan. 17, 2024
(JNS) — Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, a Democrat, signed the state’s budget on July 29, which includes funding for a special commission on antisemitism.
“It’s been heartbreaking and unacceptable to see the rise in antisemitism and hate here in Massachusetts and across the country,” Healey told JNS. “I’m proud to sign these provisions that will make sure that students today and into the future have access to key educational materials to uplift everyone’s stories, celebrate diversity and raise awareness about what antisemitism and hate look like.”
Healey said she looks forward “to the work of the commission to explore how we as a state can better protect our Jewish community and apply those recommendations to safeguard all communities from hate.”
She also told JNS that she felt gratitude to “the legislature and advocates whose work will ensure that Massachusetts is stronger and safer for our Jewish community, and all who call our state home.”
Peggy Shukur, vice president of the Anti-Defamation League’s East Division, told Boston.com that the commission would develop “evidence-based resources and curriculum can really be a game changer and a model for other states in trying to fight a problem that is just getting bigger right now.”
It will include three people appointed by the Senate president, three from the speaker of the House and two from the governor.
“Focusing on schools so that there are better resources, curriculum and responses is really something that needs to be prioritized,” said Shukur.
