SUNDAY MORNING PLAYBOOK: Key Wins in Combating Antisemitism with MEAA’s Victory and CAM Mayors’ Conference in Beverly Hills
This week, we spotlight MEAA’s landmark victory at the Massachusetts Teachers Association and the Combating Antisemitism Movement Mayors Conference in Beverly Hills
FEATURED REPORT: Massachusetts Educators Against Antisemitism Win at MTA Board of Directors Meeting
Massachusetts Educators Against Antisemitism (MEAA) scored a victory at yesterday’s Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) Board of Directors meeting. Held virtually just days before Winter Break, the meeting showcased the impact of MEAA’s principled advocacy and persistence in combating antisemitism and anti-Israel bias.
Note that this meeting was scheduled for Shabbat with very little advance notice.
In an unprecedented turnout, 61 people signed up to speak during the meeting’s guest segment, including 13 MEAA members opposing divestment. MTA President Max Page proposed limiting each speaker to one minute and capping the segment at 60 minutes. MEAA’s allies on the Board successfully pushed back, resulting in a compromise: every speaker retained one minute, ensuring all voices were heard.
Thirteen MEAA members spoke against divestment, with many making their first-ever public statements. Statements prepared by Shomer Shabbat members were read aloud, and three additional members submitted written testimony for the Board Packet. In stark contrast to the 23 pro-divestment speakers who relied on emotional appeals, MEAA’s arguments emphasized substantive policy concerns and the harm such measures inflict on Jewish educators and the broader community.
The agenda included two motions related to divestment: Item 1 addressing MTA staff pension funds, and Item 2 targeting other investments. Both motions initially singled out Israel. However, ally Julia Norman proposed a critical amendment to remove the phrase “to the state of Israel” from the policy language.
This amendment reframed the debate, focusing on fairness and the MTA’s reputation. The amendment to Item 1 passed overwhelmingly, 47–4, with the amended motion passing 43–5. A similar result followed for Item 2, where the amendment passed 48–3, and the final motion passed 51–1. While some allies abstained from the final votes, their support for the amendment marked a decisive step against the targeted singling out of Israel.
ANALYSIS: Impact of the Amendments
The removal of “to the state of Israel” from the policy language has significant implications. By eliminating explicit references to Israel, the Board demonstrated a commitment to addressing perceptions of bias and fostering inclusivity. These amendments reduce stigmatization of Jewish members and signal a more thoughtful approach to MTA policy-making. The strong margins of support potentially highlight a growing recognition within the MTA rank-and-file of the harm such divisive policies can cause. MEAA’s engagement and coalition-building efforts are shifting the conversation and laying the groundwork for more balanced and equitable decision-making in the future.
In a related development, the Board agreed to establish a working group to examine how MTA guest speaker policies can better accommodate religious observance. This initiative, set to report back in February, reflects growing awareness of the importance of inclusivity and fairness in organizational procedures.
This victory marks a milestone in MEAA’s fight against antisemitism and anti-Israel bias within the MTA. In just one year, MEAA has made remarkable strides—building relationships with Board members, amplifying voices within the MTA, and achieving tangible policy changes. While challenges remain, this meeting underscores that sustained engagement and principled advocacy lead to real change. MEAA’s win is both a testament to collective action and a powerful motivator to continue pushing for fairness and equity within the MTA and beyond.
ICAN has been proud to support several initiatives and campaigns for Massachusetts educators, including hosting a Combating Antisemitism Summit featuring several of their key advocates.
Combating Antisemitism Movement Mayors Summit in Beverly Hills
The Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Mayors Summit brought together over 200 local leaders and advocates in Beverly Hills from December 11-13, 2024, to address the challenge of rising antisemitism. Hosted by the City of Beverly Hills and City Council, the event highlighted how cities can lead the way in uniting communities and taking meaningful action against hate.
WATCH: Remarks from John Mirisch, Councilmember and 3x Mayor of the City of Beverly Hills, and ICAN Chief Policy Officer.
ICAN and CAM have partnered extensively on initiatives like combating antisemitism in K-12 education and organizing previous summits to address this critical issue. Their collaboration underscores a shared commitment to equipping local leaders with tools and strategies to fight hate effectively.
The summit opened with an evening reception at the Beverly Wilshire Ballroom, where attendees explored an art installation inspired by the IHRA Working Definition of Antisemitism and participated in a virtual reality experience that brought modern examples of antisemitism to life. The opening gala dinner featured inspiring remarks from speakers like Lester Friedman, Mayor of Beverly Hills, and Peter Paltchik, an Israeli Olympic medalist in judo. Awards were presented to leaders making a difference in the fight against hate, including Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, who received the CAM Civic Leadership Award.
ICAN Brings the Spirit of the Abraham Accords to the Local Level
Dillon Hosier, ICAN CEO, led a panel discussion titled Building Bridges Amid Tensions: Municipal Strategies for Interfaith Harmony. The discussion explored practical ways for cities to build trust and collaboration between faith communities, inspired by the spirit of the Abraham Accords.
The panel included Anila Ali, Founder of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council, who shared stories of grassroots efforts breaking down barriers between communities. Father Ed Benioff of the Church of the Good Shepherd spoke about how faith leaders can foster trust and mutual respect. Rabbi Erez Sherman of Sinai Temple emphasized the need for safe spaces where honest and respectful dialogue can thrive. Wilmot Collins, the Mayor of Helena, Montana, brought a powerful perspective on how local governments can champion inclusivity and bring people together.
Dillon engaged the panel with targeted questions, asking Mayor Wilmot Collins about how his city approaches community engagement, including whether it has a round table or a human relations commission to address interfaith issues. He then turned to Anila Ali to explore the role of women's networks and mom groups in fostering intercommunity engagement, given her work in empowering women. The panelists shared practical examples, such as hosting joint community events, establishing interfaith councils, and leveraging grassroots networks to unite people around shared goals. The discussion highlighted how locally driven initiatives can build lasting connections and foster deeper understanding among diverse communities.
The conversation left attendees with a clear takeaway: municipal leadership is vital in bridging divides and creating spaces where trust and cooperation can grow.
Unequivocal LEADERSHIP in Action
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and U.S. District Court Judge Roy Altman shared their experience of stepping up when a kosher deli in Miami was vandalized with swastikas. Instead of simply condemning the act, they personally helped clean the graffiti, demonstrating through their actions that hate has no place in their community.
Their story reinforced the summit’s themes, showing how even small, hands-on gestures can leave a lasting impact. By stepping in directly, they not only supported those affected but also sent a strong message of unity and resilience to their community.
The summit concluded with a memorable closing dinner at Paramount Pictures Studio. Attendees heard from a diverse range of speakers, including Lester Friedman, Steven Reed, and Sgt. Daniel Kopylov, a wounded IDF soldier. The evening celebrated the efforts of leaders like Steven Fulop, Mayor of Jersey City, who received the CAM Guardianship Award, and showcased the collective commitment to combating antisemitism through meaningful action and collaboration.
SPECIAL - ISRAEL AT WAR: Hamas Called Out as Thieves of Humanitarian Aid by Palestinians in Gaza
WATCH Palestinian journalist Ayman Khaled reveals Hamas's sinister role in the theft of aid meant for the relief of starving civilians in Gaza.