On June 9, 2025, the Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism in Massachusetts convened to address the rising concerns surrounding antisemitism, particularly focusing on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Professor David Weber from Boston University School of Law provided a detailed analysis of the BDS movement, describing it as a sophisticated form of propaganda aimed at delegitimizing Israel and its supporters.

Professor Weber emphasized that the BDS movement targets various institutions, including businesses and universities, advocating for boycotts against those that engage with Israel. He characterized the movement as a "white collar" approach to a broader agenda that seeks to undermine Israel's existence. He pointed out that the BDS movement often employs deceptive narratives, neglecting historical Jewish connections to the land and promoting false claims of genocide against Palestinians.

The professor highlighted the economic implications of the BDS movement for Massachusetts, noting that Israeli businesses contribute significantly to the state's economy, creating thousands of jobs. He argued that boycotting Israel not only harms Jewish and Israeli communities but also adversely affects Palestinians, as many Palestinian workers are employed by Israeli companies.

Weber called for Massachusetts to adopt anti-BDS legislation, which has already been implemented in 37 other states. He argued that such laws would protect the state's economic interests and support its Jewish population. He provided examples of successful anti-BDS actions in other states, including the reversal of a boycott by Ben and Jerry's against Israel after states divested from its parent company, Unilever.

The discussion also touched on the broader societal impacts of the BDS movement, with Weber asserting that the rhetoric associated with BDS has led to increased violence against Jews. He cited recent violent incidents linked to anti-Israel sentiments, underscoring the need for a robust response to combat antisemitism.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgency of addressing antisemitism in Massachusetts, particularly through legislative measures that counter the BDS movement. The commission's discussions highlighted the complex interplay between economic interests, social justice, and the fight against antisemitism, with a clear call for action to protect the rights and safety of Jewish communities in the state.