Sudbury DEI Commission Drops Planned Antisemitism Definition Discussion

SUDBURY, MA — A town commission has changed the focus of its August meeting after conversations with local Jewish leaders.

The Sudbury Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission’s Aug. 13 meeting will not include a discussion of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism, and will instead focus on what Jewish residents are experiencing amid rising antisemitism and how the commission can be a stronger ally, advocate and partner, town officials announced on Wednesday.

The commission said it had originally been exploring a discussion about the IHRA definition after several people from the Sudbury area informally requested it. But members said they determined they lacked the knowledge and lived experience to lead that conversation themselves, according to the commission.

As part of that process, the commission said it contacted Rabbi Breindel and Rabbi Freeman, who helped members understand the history and context of issues affecting the local Jewish community. The rabbis also told the commission a public discussion centered on the IHRA definition could cause harm, particularly during a period of increased antisemitism, according to the update.

“With that understanding, we have decided that our August 13 meeting will not include a discussion of the IHRA definition,” the commission wrote.

Instead, Rabbi Breindel and Rabbi Freeman are expected to help the commission better understand how antisemitism is affecting Jewish residents locally and beyond, and how the commission can support Sudbury’s Jewish community.

The commission said it is grateful to the rabbis and Jewish community members who shared their perspectives, and said it wants its work to be experienced as supportive rather than harmful.

"We look forward to continuing this work together and to building a relationship grounded in trust, openness, and partnership," the commission wrote in the announcement. "We want the Jewish community to know that the DEI Commission is here to listen, to learn, to stand alongside you, and to work with you to strengthen inclusion and belonging in Sudbury."

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