SAMPLE EMAIL SCRIPT

Hello, my name is ---- and I live at (address). I am writing to share my concerns about the recommendations from the Massachusetts Commission on Combating Antisemitism in K-12 schools. My greatest concerns are in regard to two of the recommendations: 

First the Commission suggested using the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as guidance. This definition is open to interpretation and includes examples which conflate criticism of Zionism with antisemitism. Zionism is a political stance that supports a national structure (Israel), while antisemitism is against people of a certain religion (Judaism) regardless of what country they live in. This conflation is dangerous to Jews as it suggests that all Jews are aligned with the structure and policies of Israel. This is in itself antisemitic as it implies that Jews are a monolithic group with a single set of socio-political beliefs. In addition, inhibiting people’s ability to express concerns about Israel or Zionism prevents people from using their right to free speech and expressing concerns about both the policies of another country and the use of American tax dollars. 

The second problematic recommendation is that an anonymous statewide bias reporting system be established to collect data on every incident of bias that may or may not rise to the level of a hate crime or bullying. These reports would be shared with DESE and the Attorney General’s office. This is of significant concern because it would mean children could be reported to the state for making statements that are best addressed through educational means. In addition, the system is ripe for misuse and can result in an atmosphere of fear and educator self-censorship on Israel/Palestine and DEI-related topics. Concerns of parents and guardians are best addressed within the school and not by the Attorney General’s office. 

Although the Commission claims that it does not stifle criticism of Israel, the IHRA definition that they promote has been used in firing faculty, doxing students, canceling events and more.  It mirrors Trump's agenda to weaponize antisemitism to silence speech. White supremacy is the biggest threat to Jews and other minority groups and the recommendations offer no strategies to address this growing problem.

We have learned throughout history that Jews and all minorities are safest in societies in which there is free speech and the right to protest. I hope you will take the time to review the recommendations and consider my concerns before making any decisions to move forward with legislation.

Sincerely,

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