What It Means to Be an Ally w/ Sen. John Velis

State Senator John Velis joins Jeremy Burton for a wide-ranging conversation about the experiences that first moved him to confront antisemitism in Massachusetts and ultimately helped lead to the creation of the Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism.Senator Velis reflects on hearing from Jewish constituents, including young people experiencing antisemitism; asking Jewish colleagues what they needed from an ally; and what he learned through the Commission’s work from students, families, educators, critics, and others across the Commonwealth.Jeremy and Senator Velis also talk about how his military service has shaped his approach to public life, and the issues he is focused on today, including behavioral health, substance use, housing, affordability, and keeping Massachusetts a place where people can build their lives.It is a conversation about what we owe one another as allies, as neighbors, and as people invested in the future of the Commonwealth. We’re grateful for Senator Velis’ partnership with JCRC and the Jewish community over more than a decade, and look forward to many more years of working together in service of a stronger Commonwealth.