In recent months, our community has witnessed an intensification of efforts to introduce so-called “Apartheid Free Community” pledges and BDS (Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions) initiatives into local civic life. These campaigns often present themselves as human rights measures. Yet in practice, they single out the world’s only Jewish state and import a deeply polarizing international conflict into town halls, school committees, and city councils here at home.

 

The Jewish Federation has been working tirelessly — often quietly and behind the scenes — to ensure that our local civic spaces remain grounded in fairness, factual understanding, and genuine community dialogue rather than slogans and accusations. This work includes educating elected officials about contemporary antisemitism, explaining how BDS efforts can cross the line from legitimate policy debate into discriminatory treatment of Jewish institutions and businesses, and articulating why labeling Israel as an “apartheid state” distorts history and inflames tensions.

 

We have seen the importance of this engagement in the recent vote in Montague. There, community selectmen came together to support a constructive path forward — affirming a clear definition of antisemitism and rejecting divisive boycott and divestment measures.

 

Rather than embracing rhetoric that isolates neighbors, Montague chose to stand against antisemitism and against policies that would deepen division. That decision did not happen by accident. It happened because people showed up. We worked to influence public opinion through the newspaper.  We educated officials about the issues.  We built relationships.

 

Advocacy is not always comfortable work. It requires patience, resilience, and a willingness to engage even when conversations are difficult. But our tradition teaches us that silence in the face of injustice is not an option. The Federation’s role is not partisan; it is principled. We are committed to ensuring that Jewish voices are heard, that antisemitism in all its modern forms is recognized, and that our local institutions remain welcoming to all.

 

Now more than ever, each of us has a role to play. Reach out to your town councilor. Write to your state representative. Attend a public meeting. Share your story. Elected officials respond to relationships and to real people, not to abstractions.

 

Together, with clarity, civility, and courage, we can protect our community, strengthen our democracy, and ensure that our local public square reflects our highest values.