Combatting antisemitism was the key topic on Tuesday morning at the annual Jewish Legislators Breakfast sponsored by the National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL) in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America.
More than 70 people attended the breakfast, which was co-sponsored by Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston, and the Goodwin Proctor Law Firm.
“As antisemitism continues to escalate in both frequency and boldness, NAJL recognizes the deep concern and pain felt across the Jewish community,” said NAJL Executive Director Jeff Wice. “In response, Jewish legislators are playing a vital role in state capitols nationwide, advocating for stronger protections, educating their colleagues, and ensuring that Jewish voices are heard, respected, and defended.”
The event brought legislators and key stakeholders from across the country, said Eli Berne, State Director of Government Relations for Jewish Federations.
“This event underscored the critical partnership between NAJL and Jewish Federations of North America, which serves to strengthen our Federations system, empower Jewish legislators, and help both deliver on behalf of Jewish communities across the United States,” Berne said.
Founded in 1977, NAJL is a national, nonpartisan network and forum for Jewish state legislators, representing over 240 Jewish state legislators from across the country in nearly 40 states.
As antisemitism continues to escalate in both frequency and boldness, NAJL recognizes the deep concern and pain felt across the Jewish community. In response, Jewish legislators are playing a vital role in state capitols nationwide — advocating for stronger protections, educating their colleagues, and ensuring that Jewish voices are heard, respected, and defended.
Key speakers included NAJL President Assemblyman David Weprin, JCRC CEO Jeremy Burton, CJP CEO Marc Baker, and Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka, each delivering powerful remarks on the urgent need to confront antisemitism in the United States.
NAJL Executive Director Jeff Wice, and NAJL Board Member Matt Most, both outlined the long-term vision for NAJL, and highlighted the importance of the partnership with Jewish Federations.
The Massachusetts legislature’s Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism held a panel discussion, providing an in-depth look at how the commission was formed, challenges they’ve faced, and how they stay committed to fighting and forcefully combatting antisemitism in their state.
The panel was moderated by Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem, and featured Co-Chairs Sen. John Velis, Rep. Simon Cataldo and Commission Member Rep. Stephen Howitt.
“NAJL brought together a large group of state legislators today who shared their concerns over alarmingly growing levels of antisemitism in the states and how state legislators can use innovative models to address this problem," said NAJL President David Weprin. "It was especially important to hear from the Massachusetts legislature’s commission to combat antisemitism, getting practical advice and Learning from the Massachusetts experience.”
