Panel to Tackle Anti-Semitism on Oct. 28

On Tuesday, October 28 join State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin) and the Franklin Interfaith Council for a panel discussion regarding antisemitism in the current moment. The event will take place at 7 p.m. at Franklin High School.

Rep. Roy will moderate the panel discussion which will include the following panelists: 

 · Jeremy Burton, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston;

· Rabbi Rachel Putterman, Temple Etz Chaim in Franklin;

· Dr. Miri Bar-Halprin, Director of Trauma Training and Services at Parents for Peace and a lecturer at Harvard Medical School;

· Dr. Michael Rubin, Uxbridge High School Principal and President of Temple Etz Chaim; and

· State Rep. Simon Cataldo, Special Massachusetts Committee on Combating Antisemitism.

This community conversation will address the history of antisemitism, experiences of antisemitism today, and communal responses to antisemitism including the work of the Special Commission and public school curriculum requirements.

Occurrences of antisemitic incidents have dramatically increased over the past five years, including in our community, especially since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023. According to the Anti-Defamation League New England (ADL), there were 438 antisemitic incidents in Massachusetts in 2024, a nearly threefold increase from 152 antisemitic incidents in 2022.

There will be time at the end for the panelists to answer questions from the audience.

This event is open to the public.