Massachusetts Legislature Honors
Resolution Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Antisemitism and Preserving the Memory of Holocaust Survivors
(BOSTON—1/27/2026) Today the Massachusetts Legislature honored
Each branch passed a resolution recognizing the eighty-first anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp and reaffirming their unequivocal condemnation of antisemitism in all its forms.
In adopting the resolutions, the Senate and House recognized Holocaust survivors and honored their courage in bearing witness to one of the darkest moments of history. The Legislature affirmed that preserving survivors’ memories and testimonies is essential to combating Holocaust denial, distortion, and antisemitism.
“International Holocaust Remembrance Day calls on us not only to mourn the millions of lives stolen by unimaginable cruelty, but to confront the truth of history with clarity and resolve,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “For survivors and their families, remembrance is deeply personal—and for our Commonwealth, it is a solemn responsibility. By preserving stories, rejecting Holocaust denial, and educating future generations, we reaffirm an unyielding commitment to say ‘never again’ and to stand firmly against antisemitism, hatred, and genocide in all its forms.”
“On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the millions of innocent lives lost, including the six million Jewish people who were senselessly murdered by the Nazis,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Today isn’t only about the past though, it’s also about the lessons that we can learn from that horrific tragedy, and about the actions that we can take to beat back antisemitism and all forms of hate. I’m proud of the work that we have done in the Legislature to ensure that students in Massachusetts learn about the cruelty and inhumanity of genocide, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Legislature, as well as the Jewish community, to address the alarming rise in antisemitism over the past few years.”
“I was proud to file this Senate resolution to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day and to honor the millions of lives lost in one of history’s darkest chapters,” said Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton), primary sponsor of the Senate’s Resolution. “At a time when antisemitism continues to be on the rise, preserving the memories and testimonies of Holocaust survivors is essential to confronting denial, prejudice, and hate. Our responsibility is not only to remember, but to educate and to stand firmly against antisemitism in all its forms.”
“Today is a solemn day as we remember the horrific genocide committed during the Holocaust. We honor the millions of people who senselessly lost their lives, and we vow never to forget their sacrifice. We as a Legislature have taken numerous steps over the years to ensure that the Commonwealth never forgets either,” said House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston). “I want to thank the Speaker and the Senate President, and all my other fellow legislators, for their tireless commitment to Holocaust Remembrance. I also want to thank the Consulate General of Israel to New England and the New England Holocaust Memorial Committee for being a part of the ceremony today in the State House.”
Copies of the resolutions were transmitted to the Consulate General of Israel to New England and the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, which is supporting construction of Holocaust Museum Boston.
In recent years the Legislature has acted to protect the memory of those murdered in the Holocaust, allocating $10 million in funds to support construction of Holocaust Museum Boston.
In late 2025, Senate President Spilka and Speaker Mariano applauded the final outcomes of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, which created a framework for combatting antisemitism in Massachusetts through education, responses to antisemitic incidents, and allyship.
The Legislature created the commission in 2024 after a state report showed a 70 percent increase in incidents of anti-Jewish crime statewide.
In 2021, the Legislature acted jointly to create the Genocide Education Trust Fund to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide and promote the teaching of human rights issues with a particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide.
Statements of support
Governor Maura Healey
“Today, as a state, we join with others around the world to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions of others whose lives were destroyed by a regime built on hatred and dehumanization. We honor the victims by telling the truth, preserving memory, and rejecting the dangerous lie that cruelty can ever be justified. This day, and this work, have never been more important — and I'm grateful to Senate President Spilka for bringing us together today.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll
“International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time to mourn the lives lost during the Holocaust and recommit ourselves to rejecting antisemitism wherever we see it. Massachusetts will always stand with our Jewish neighbors and stand strong against hate and violence.”
Robert Kraft, Founder of the Blue Square Alliance and Chairman of the Kraft Group
“On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the memory of the six million Jews who were murdered by dedicating ourselves to the mission of combating antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. I am grateful to the Massachusetts State Legislature for advancing this joint resolution and for highlighting remembrance and the shared responsibility we all have to stand up against hate wherever it appears.”
Jonathan Kraft, President of the Kraft Group
“To truly fight antisemitism and hate, we must never forget the atrocities the Jewish community has endured. This resolution is a meaningful step toward honoring the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and all victims of the Nazis, and it sends a powerful message of solidarity with Jewish communities in Massachusetts and around the world. I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Senate President Spilka, and Chairman Michlewitz."
Office of Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism
“Today, as we remember and mourn the more than six million Jewish lives senselessly taken during the Holocaust, we must also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to confront and eradicate antisemitism in all its forms. As co-chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, Senator Velis is proud to serve in a Legislature that remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the promise of ‘Never Again.’”
Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord), House Chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism
“The historical facts of the Holocaust are essential learning not just for Jewish history or world history, but American history. Our state government has an obligation to ensure that the Holocaust is learned and remembered by its residents through a lens of historical accuracy and moral clarity. I’m proud that Massachusetts is taking affirmative steps to reverse the alarming levels of Holocaust denial and Holocaust inversion, both through our recent budget investments and the work of our Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. “
Senator Rebecca Rausch (D-Needham), Senate Resolution Cosponsor
“The liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, which occurred 81 years ago today, finally brought an end to the government-sponsored mass extermination and torture of Jews and others in Nazi Germany. Today, we remember the six million Jewish people and millions more who were murdered in cold blood by unspeakable evil. May their memories be a blessing, and may we be reminded of the absolute necessity of building a future rooted, first and foremost, in the recognition of each other’s humanity.”
Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy
“Now more than ever, it is so important that we pay attention to the lessons of history as we witness the persecution of innocent people in cities and towns across our country, simply because of the color of their skin or the sound of their accent. As we remember the atrocities of that time and recognize the loss of freedoms and life that defined the Holocaust, we must continue to truly commit ourselves to never let this happen again.”
Jody Kipnis, Co-founder and CEO, Holocaust Museum Boston
“International Holocaust Remembrance Day asks us not only to remember the past, but to take responsibility in the present. By honoring survivors, condemning antisemitism, and supporting Holocaust education through institutions like Holocaust Museum Boston, the Massachusetts Legislature is affirming that memory must be paired with action. These resolutions underscore that truth matters, democracy matters, and silence in the face of hatred is never an option.”
Dr. Nicole Freeman, Education Director, Holocaust Museum Boston
“Holocaust education is not only about learning history, it is about understanding how prejudice, disinformation, and indifference take hold, and how they can be challenged. By preserving survivor testimony and supporting institutions like Holocaust Museum Boston, the Legislature is helping ensure that young people across the Commonwealth learn to recognize early warning signs and choose moral courage.”
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