The Massachusetts legislature’s Special Commission on Antisemitism voted on Friday to approve a swath of recommendations for schools across Massachusetts.

“Antisemitism has no place in our communities, and I remain committed to fighting against the rising tide of this ancient hatred across the Commonwealth,” Rep. Greg Schwartz, D-Newton, said in a statement Saturday, thanking the commission’s leadership and Gov. Maura Healey for their help.

The commission, which includes Mayor Ruthanne Fuller among many state and municipal leaders, was formed by the legislature last year after a rise in antisemitic hate crimes across the Commonwealth.

Incidents including vandalism, threats and other acts of hate against Jewish residents and organizations spiked after Israel’s military operations in Gaza began following the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attacks on Israeli civilians. Newton found itself center stage for many such incidents.

The SCCA’s report focuses on schools. After the Massachusetts Teachers Association published some controversial resources for MTA members on how to teach about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, Jewish advocacy groups accused the MTA of antisemitism and demanded action.

The recommendations endorsed by the SCCA include the formation of an Advisory Council on Holocaust and Genocide Education to report to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).

The SCCA also recommends DESE draft model curriculum and best practices resources for teaching about Jewish identity and antisemitism as well as mandatory anti-bias education for faculty, administrators and school committees across Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Educators Against Antisemitism released a statement praising the recommendations as “essential for creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff in Massachusetts schools.”

“We will continue to work with state officials and local communities to ensure these recommendations are not only adopted but are effectively and consistently implemented across the commonwealth,” the statement reads.

City Councilor Rick Lipof, who’s not seeking reelection and plans to focus his time and efforts on fighting antisemitism, commended the SCCA’s report and said he looks forward to seeing the suggestions implemented.

“The findings and recommendations from the Special Commission  on Antisemitism are a powerful call to action at a time when antisemitism, hate and division are on the rise,” Lipof said. “No student should ever feel fear or shame because of who they are. These recommendations give our schools the tools to teach history accurately, foster respect for all communities and ensure that every young person can learn in a safe, inclusive environment.”

The complete report and detailed recommendations can be read here: Mass. Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism K-12 Findings and Recommendations