The Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism in Massachusetts convened on June 9, 2025, to address the alarming rise of antisemitism in the state and across the nation. A key focus of the meeting was the presentation by Mr. Katz, who highlighted the work of the Foundation for Combatting Antisemitism (FCAS), an organization founded in 2019 in response to increasing antisemitic incidents, including the tragic events in Charlottesville and the Tree of Life synagogue shooting.

Mr. Katz emphasized the importance of understanding public sentiment regarding antisemitism, particularly among what he termed "unengaged bystanders." This group, which comprises nearly half of Americans, often views antisemitism as a non-issue, with many lacking personal connections to Jewish individuals. This disconnect creates an information vacuum that can be filled with misinformation and harmful stereotypes.

The FCAS employs a three-pillar approach: gathering intelligence on public sentiment, running media campaigns to raise awareness, and forming partnerships with influential organizations to amplify their message. Mr. Katz noted that their command center analyzes over a billion social media posts daily, revealing a significant increase in antisemitic discourse, particularly among younger demographics who primarily consume news through platforms like TikTok.

The data presented indicated that antisemitic sentiments have surged dramatically, with social media discussions reflecting a seven to eight-fold increase in the past 20 months compared to the previous decade. This trend is mirrored in Massachusetts, where the commission noted a concerning rise in hate speech and antisemitic tropes.

Commission members engaged in discussions about the role of social media in spreading misinformation and the need for effective strategies to combat this trend. They expressed interest in exploring how to turn unengaged bystanders into active allies against antisemitism. Mr. Katz suggested that modeling allyship through empathetic messaging could be a powerful tool in this effort.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further analyze the data and develop targeted strategies to foster allyship and combat antisemitism in Massachusetts. The commission aims to leverage the insights gained from the FCAS to create a more informed and engaged community, ultimately working towards a society where antisemitism is actively challenged and dismantled.