Antisemitism Left and Right, What Can We Do?: Combating Jew Hate the Massachusetts Way

The class will focus on the most important and topical aspects of antisemitism in Massachusetts today, particularly with respect to antisemitism as it relates to questions about Israel. We will take a deep dive into understanding today's forms of antisemitism and strategies that we can use to address this crisis, consistent with Massachusetts values and respect for discourse, free speech and the rule of law. This class will study the Report issued by the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. Over 13 months, the Special Commission held hearings and conducted a comprehensive study of the explosion of antisemitism. The Report presented detailed findings and concrete recommendations for action in K-12 education, higher education, law enforcement and public safety, and the workplace. The Report has been endorsed by the state's top government leaders, including Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, A.G. Andrea Campbell, Treasurer Deb Goldberg, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, and many members of Congress and the state legislature. . . . David Friedman was appointed by Gov. Maura Healey to serve on the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. In his day job, he works for the Boston Red Sox as Executive Vice President, Legal & Government Affairs and Chief Compliance Officer. David previously served as First Assistant Attorney General for Massachusetts, working for A.G. Martha Coakley, and Counsel and Chief Policy Advisor to Massachusetts Senate President Robert Travaglini. He worked for several years at the law firm of Hill & Barlow. Throughout his career, he has been a leader in promoting access to health care and advancing LGBTQ rights. David served as a law clerk to federal appeals court Judge Michael Boudin and Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens. He graduated Harvard College (’93), where he won the World Universities Debating Championship, and Harvard Law School (’96), where he was President of the Harvard Law Review. He also teaches at Harvard Law School.