Across New England, American Jewish Committee (AJC) is driving meaningful action—advancing policy initiatives, empowering rising leaders, partnering with local communities against anti-Israel campaigns, and honoring the lessons of Jewish history. This work requires all of us to stand up and use our voices. AJC's recently released State of Antisemitism in America 2025 Report shows that over 9 in 10 American Jews feel less safe following violent attacks in the past year, including the burning of a Jewish governor’s home, the firebombing of Jews in Boulder, CO, and the murders at the Capital Jewish Museum. And, more than half of American Jews reported changing their behavior due to fear of antisemitism.
These and other critical findings underscore why your courage to join our efforts matters so deeply. Read on to learn more about what AJC is doing locally and globally, and how you can get involved.
AJC Regional Director Rob Leikind Reflects on Antisemitism: Where We Are and What Comes Next
In the aftermath of World War II, Jews enjoyed a period of acceptance and safety that has had few precedents in Jewish history. There is mounting evidence, however, that this golden age of American Jewish life may be coming to an end. There is also evidence here in New England and across the country that good people are joining with the Jewish community to fight back.
While extremists from the left and right have been pedaling conspiracy theories about Jews, Israel, and Zionism, others are making significant progress against these troubling trends. The Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism recently completed its yearlong study of antisemitism and issued recommendations to address the problem across society. Massachusetts Governor Healey has charged Lt. Governor Driscoll with overseeing the implementation of these recommendations, and other local leaders are taking heed. In the last two weeks, the Town of Concord and the Sudbury Public School Committee both adopted the IHRA working definition of antisemitism. And others across New England are fighting BDS initiatives head-on and exposing the organizations behind them.
AJC is shaping future leaders who will—and already are—advocating for the Jewish people with confidence and purpose. The largest-ever Leaders for Tomorrow (LFT) cohort, comprised of high school students from across the country, recently gathered in Washington, D.C. for a hands-on advocacy experience. They met with AJC experts and national leaders, heard from As a Jew author Sarah Hurwitz, and met with the offices of Senator Warren and Senator Markey to discuss issues facing the Jewish community. This critical development opportunity will serve them in high school, college, and beyond.
Across the globe, New England’s rising young professionals are engaging internationally. Two local ACCESS leaders recently joined AJC’s mission to Japan, connecting with diplomats, university leaders, and civil society partners to build bridges and deepen understanding. Read ACCESS New England leader Ezekiel Silverstein's reflection on the trip!
Together, these programs are cultivating the Jewish leaders we need.
Across New England, as anti-Israel activists work to advance their agendas to municipal governments, AJC has been partnering with several local communities to fight back.
One such campaign is unfolding in Western Massachusetts, where activists are pushing an “apartheid-free” resolution aimed at marginalizing those who support the State of Israel. In response, AJC has been collaborating with the local community to counter this initiative, resist the adoption of anti-Israel policies, and challenge the ideas driving this movement.
Holocaust Remembrance as a Call to Action
Phillip Staudlin of the Terezin Music Foundation brings to life music by Erwin Schulhoff (1894-1942).
Our International Holocaust Remembrance Day program underscored a core AJC principle: remembrance must guide how we act in the world today. In partnership with the Elie Wiesel Center at Boston University and the Terezín Music Foundation, we explored the stories, creativity, courage, and moral lessons that continue to shape our advocacy. Together, we listened to music composed by prisoners of the Terezin concentration camp that brought their memories to life—powerful reminders that call us to speak up, stay engaged, and take meaningful action.
The Jewish Watertown Action Network is hosting a moderated discussion featuring AJC New England Regional Director Rob Leikind, who served on the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, and fellow Commissioner David Friedman. Hear from them as they share their work, answer questions, and discuss what comes next.
This annual event brings together members of the New England Consular Corps, civic leaders, and friends from across the community. Together we will recount the ancient Jewish journey to freedom, and explore how this story is a window into the many challenges of our time. Learn more and RSVP.
Save the Date: Yom HaShoah Commemoration
Sunday, April 12 | 10 a.m.
The State Room | 60 State Street, Boston
Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston will be hosting Boston's Community Holocaust Commemoration. Join the Greater Boston community in remembering, reflecting, and ensuring that the lessons of history echo through generations. AJC New England is proud to co-sponsor this event alongside many community partners. Registration and details to follow.
Join AJC and over 2,000 advocates for AJC Global Forum, the premier global Jewish advocacy conference. Together we will gather in the epicenter of power and politics to make our voices heard on the urgent challenges facing the Jewish people, Israel, America, and the world. Learn more and RSVP.
LFT is an education and advocacy program that empowers teens to advocate for Israel and speak out against antisemitism. The program will not only help them navigate high school, but also proactively equip them to meet the challenges of college campuses. Learn more about LFT and fill out the interest from to be notified about our next program!
AJC New England's ACCESS program empowers Jewish leaders in their 20s and 30s to advocate on critical domestic and global issues facing the Jewish community. Learn more about ACCESSand fill out the interest form to be notified of upcoming opportunities.
AJC New England Global Advocacy Fellowship for Seasoned Leaders
A 5-month program for leaders in their 30s to 50s that provides training and insight into the challenges AJC addresses. Fellows meet with AJC policy experts from around the world to learn about our unique, nonpartisan approach to legislative and diplomatic action. They receive an insider’s perspective on global, domestic, and regional issues, and practice applying what they've learned through case studies. Learn more here and sign up to be notified when applications for the next cohort open!