Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 14, 2025

CONTACT: shameonvelis@gmail.com

WESTERN MASS TO SENATOR JOHN VELIS: STOP PUSHING TRUMP’S AGENDA

EASTHAMPTON, MASS. – A group of Jewish residents and others across Western Massachusetts are calling on State Senator John Velis to cease and desist his attempt to bring Trump-style political censorship to Massachusetts. Across Velis’s district, yard signs broadcast a clear message: “VELIS: STOP PUSHING TRUMP’S AGENDA. SUPPORT FREE SPEECH.”

Sen. Velis co-chairs the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, which has recommended new limits on speech in Massachusetts schools and the reporting of remarks that are critical of Israel to the State Police, all under the guise of “combating antisemitism” – even as Jewish experts have testified that these policies would increase resentment toward Jewish people while harming American democracy. By utilizing the discredited International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism, the Commission’s recommendations would effectively disallow criticism of Israel in schools. President Trump controversially signed an executive order applying the IHRA definition of antisemitism to federal agencies during his first term; the Trump administration is now using antisemitism to justify an assault on free speech throughout the education system. Sen. Velis – who is not Jewish – has visited Israel on trips paid for by a charity affiliated with the American-Israel lobby group AIPAC and by the Israeli government, including a visit earlier this year. Now he and the Commission are attempting to import Trump’s censorship tactics to Massachusetts.

“My work as a rabbi involves listening to Jewish people of all ages every day. While most of us are upset about antisemitism, we hold divergent understandings of what constitutes antisemitism and the best strategies for responding. Despite such diversity, this Commission has shown over many hearings that it prioritizes one Jewish perspective and denigrates others. Our state government should not be in the business of promoting a particular Jewish viewpoint. Far from it: Our government's role should be to protect the civil rights and freedom of speech of all residents. These protections are what made the United States a safe haven for Jews and people of other backgrounds for generations, and upholding these rights should be a priority for all of us,” said Rabbi Shahar Colt of Congregation Ahavas Achim in Westfield.

“The IHRA definition of antisemitism has been rejected even by its original author,” said Mara Dodge, a Jewish professor of history and resident of Easthampton. “By pushing it on Massachusetts schools, the Commission will chill free speech by making educators, students, and other residents afraid that they’ll be accused of antisemitism for presenting perspectives seen as critical of Israel – which seems to be exactly what Sen. Velis wants. We must reject the IHRA definition.”

“Sen. Velis is trying to suppress free speech in the Commonwealth while claiming it’s for the ‘protection’ of Jews,” said writer and author Mattea Kramer, a fourth-generation Jewish resident of Western Massachusetts. “The Commission’s recommendations endanger First Amendment rights and Jewish people, and should be withdrawn immediately.”

Each week, more yard signs pop up with a loud message condemning Sen. Velis’s efforts to silence free speech. One sign is at the home of Agawam resident Nancy Stenberg.

“Sen. Velis, do you work for the Israeli government now? As your constituent, I demand that you work for the citizens who pay your salary, not pander to a foreign government,” Stenberg said.

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Shame On Velis is a campaign launched by a group of Jewish residents of Western Massachusetts after nearly a year of attempting to communicate with Sen. Velis and his staff; after providing hours of verbal and written comment to the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism; and after contacting other Massachusetts legislators about the Commission’s work. Visit ShameOnVelis.com for more information. View signs across the district here.

Senator John Velis represents the Hampden and Hampshire District of Massachusetts, which includes Agawam, Chicopee (Ward 7 Precincts 7A and 9A), Easthampton, Holyoke, Montgomery, Russell, Southampton, West Springfield, and Westfield.