As we look back on 2025, we’re struck by the strength, resilience, and partnership that carried our community through an incredibly demanding year. Across Greater Boston, leaders stepped up, built new relationships, and took meaningful action to confront antisemitism. Through CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism (CCA), this work became real, local impact.
1. Training 1,500+ Civic Leaders on Antisemitism
More than 1,500 civic leaders across Greater Boston received antisemitism training through CCA’s partnership with Project Shema. The impact led to recommendations to scale similar trainings campus and statewide.
2. Strengthening Jewish ERGs Locally and Nationally
CCA convened over 50 Jewish employee resource group (ERG) leaders from 39 workplaces across Greater Boston to share strategies and build solidarity, while contributing to national conversations on workplace inclusion. Read more about what companies can learn from Boston’s success with Jewish ERGs.
3. Elevating Boston’s Model on the National Stage
Boston’s hyperlocal approach was lifted up nationally at major Jewish convenings, with CCA sharing guidance and learnings with federations across the country.
4. Community Remembrance and Bearing Witness
A packed screening of “October 8” spotlighted rising antisemitism on campus and the courage of students speaking out. The Nova Exhibition in Boston brought the community together to honor victims, hear survivor testimony, and stand with families still waiting for the return of loved ones. During a meaningful visit, former hostage Omer Shem Tov shared a message of resilience and threw out the first pitch at a Red Sox game.
5. Launching a Jewish Local Advocacy Cohort
In partnership with CCA, the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC) trained grassroots leaders in advocacy and relationship building, strengthening local networks and elevating Jewish voices.
6. Shaping Statewide Policy Through Testimony and Advocacy
CCA and partners helped shape the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism’s recommendations through testimony, data, and on-the-ground insights.
7. Launching the Inaugural Ally Challenge
Ally Challenge grants sparked local action through interfaith learning, dialogue, and civic partnerships now being expanded across Massachusetts.
8. Investing in Campus Resiliency
CCA awarded 13 Campus Resiliency Grants to support innovative projects strengthening Jewish life and building safer campus communities.
9. Public Allyship From State Leadership
Massachusetts’ highest elected officials demonstrated meaningful public allyship by standing with legislative leaders at the State House to endorse the Special Commission’s recommendations and commit to moving them forward. Gov. Maura Healey also used major civic platforms to speak directly about rising antisemitism and hosted a Jewish American Heritage Month celebration, signaling a clear commitment to Jewish safety, belonging, and resilience across the commonwealth.
10. Engaging Boston’s Business Community
CCA’s work was elevated through major business and media platforms, amplifying calls for institutions to take concrete action. Read my op-ed in Boston Business Journal: As anti-semitism intensifies, civic leaders must step up.
As we head into 2026, this work continues. The challenges are real—but so is the strength of a community that shows up, builds relationships, and takes action together.
To learn more about how CJP’s Center for Combating Antisemitism is turning strategic action into lasting impact across Greater Boston, visit CJP.org/CCA.
Join the CCA Community Network WhatsApp Group for timely messages from CCA leadership on the latest news, opportunities, upcoming events, and reflections from the field.