Massachusetts is increasing its efforts to address rising antisemitism. With the Commission on Combatting Antisemitism meeting for the first time, Governor Maura Healey reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring the safety and respect of the Jewish community in the state. "The rise in antisemitism across our state, the nation and the world has been alarming, heartbreaking and unacceptable," Governor Healey stated in a press release by Mass.gov, noting the significant distress this uptick in hate has caused. The commission was established as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget, signed earlier in July by the Governor.
Healey's administration, having recognized the increasing concerns of the Jewish community about safety, appointed two prominent figures to the commission: David Friedman and Dara Kaufman. Both bring extensive backgrounds in public service and community relations to the table. According to a statement from Mass.gov, Friedman is vested with the task to leverage his expertise influenced by his role with the Boston Red Sox and his history in legal and government affairs. Kaufman, guiding her Jewish community in the Berkshires, overseeing operations including anti-bias education initiatives, adds a layer of on-the-ground operational experience to the commission's aims.
Dave Friedman, whose resume spans from legal counsel to civil rights advocacy, assumes a notable position on the commission. During his tenure as First Assistant Attorney General for Massachusetts, he supervised a diverse range of issues including civil liberties. Serving both the sports and legal communities, Friedman now contributes to Fenway Sports Group's endeavors to utilize the platform of sports to challenge various forms of hate. His educational accolades include a bachelor's degree from Harvard College, earned in 1993, and a law degree from Harvard Law School, where he graduated in 1996 and previously chaired the Harvard Law Review.
Dara Kaufman boasts a track record of building bridges within and beyond the Jewish community in her role as Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of the Berkshires. Having collaborated with the Anti-Defamation League and local educational bodies to foster anti-bias education, Kaufman brings practical experience to the table. Her prior career stints in Israel, handling advertising and sales for major publications, inform her broad perspective on issues of antisemitism and community dynamics. Governor Charlie Baker had also previously appointed Kaufman to the MA Taskforce on Hate Crimes where the education and victim support are continuously improved by her contributions.
With the creation of the Commission on Combatting Antisemitism, Massachusetts is addressing the growing issue of antisemitism. Under Healey's leadership, the commission's qualified members will play a key role in shaping state policies and initiatives to create a safer environment for the Jewish community and promote mutual respect among all demographics in the state.
