Principles of Unity

We oppose antisemitism, the weaponization of antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia and all forms of racism.

We believe that antisemitism cannot be addressed without confronting white supremacy and Christian nationalism embedded in the highest levels of government and the economy.  

We view a solidarity framework that recognizes the commonality between Jewish, Palestinian, Arab, Black,  Brown and other targeted communities as our best weapon in fighting all forms of racism and bigotry.

We value the rich and varied Jewish community in Massachusetts. Any state policy on antisemitism must represent the full diversity of Jewish perspectives across the Commonwealth; no organizations can claim to speak on behalf of the entire Massachusetts Jewish community. 

We see free speech as under threat from multiple forces at this time and prioritize protecting the right of citizens of the Commonwealth to exercise that right, including criticism of political ideologies and nation states.  We condemn efforts to silence, intimidate and punish actions critical of  US support for Israel.

We condemn all attempts to endorse or in any way legitimize any definition that equates anti-Zionism with antisemitism; we also reject any state or institutional policy that restricts criticism of Israeli policies or analysis of Israel or Palestinian history.

While we have a diversity of opinions about Zionism, we object to the assertion that Zionism is an integral part of the Jewish religion and we condemn the accusation that opposition to Zionism is antisemitic. We oppose any efforts to restrict freedom of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.

We support policies and legislation that encourage students to think for themselves, and to critically analyze multiple perspectives (including Palestinian perspectives). We oppose any policy or practice that silences teaching about race, gender, slavery, capitalism, colonialism or related subjects, or seeks to restrict campus discussion or protest by students or educators on those topics.

We believe that peaceful protest against actions or policies of any state, including the U.S. or Israel, is a fundamental constitutionally-protected right and no educational or other policy should penalize it.

We agree to practice our commitment to non-violence internally, engaging in reparative processes as needed.

We believe that the best way to create safety for Jews is to include the work of combating antisemitism as part of broader racial equity and social justice efforts rather than addressing antisemitism in a silo, apart from other forms of oppression. Massachusetts has some of the strongest hate crimes laws and protections against discrimination in this country.

We are committed to ensuring that the commonwealth upholds these laws, even in the face of hateful and divisive tactics from white nationalists and other bad actors both in and out of government.