Kerem Shalom was proud to host a hearing of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Antisemitism, co-chaired by Representative Simon Cataldo and Senator John Velis, on October 16, 2025. Representative Cataldo, a Kerem Shalom member who resides in Concord, helped bring this important event to our community.
Thirteen commissioners attended the hearing, joined by distinguished speakers including Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan and the Honorable David Lowy, General Counsel for UMass and former Associate Justice on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
DA Ryan focused her remarks on restorative justice initiatives in combating antisemitism. Rabbi Darby Leigh, alongside Rabbi Braham David of Congregation Beth Elohim in Acton and Senior Rabbi Karen Thomashow of Temple Isaiah in Lexington, delivered compelling presentations on various aspects of antisemitism facing our communities today.
The comprehensive four-plus-hour hearing also featured testimony from a delegation from the Boston University School of Medicine and two Jewish students from Concord-Carlisle High School. Throughout the session, commissioners posed thoughtful questions, while Representative Cataldo and Senator Velis provided valuable perspectives and commentary.
Kerem Shalom was well-represented at the hearing, with attendees including Board President David Luberoff, former Board President Deena Whitfield, and Antisemitism Task Force Co-Chairs Carol Greenfield and Miriam Zarchan.
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to host this vital conversation.
