Massachusetts
Issues and Campaigns
In addition to our ongoing work educating about and protesting Israel’s use of water as a weapon against Palestinians, and applying that focus to the occupation and now the genocide, the Alliance actively works with other pro-Palestine groups.
• Arise and Resist
This coalition, recently formed, is dedicated to building a movement to resist the current threat to democracy posed by the current administration and its implementation of Project 2025 and embrace of Project Esther. The working groups include The Fight for the Budget and Taxes, Palestine Solidarity, Direct Action, and Build a Rapid Response Network.
The Alliance participates in the Palestine Solidarity working group by organizing demonstrations, pressuring elected officials, distributing our yard signs—Let Gaza Live, Ceasefire Now, and US Stop Arming Israel—among other ways.
• Together for an Inclusive Massachusetts (TIM)
TIM is a group of Jewish, Muslim, secular, labor, education, civil rights, and other organizations and individuals advocating for justice and equity in the Commonwealth.
The Alliance is involved with TIM in addressing efforts in Massachusetts to fight antisemitism in schools and at the same time protesting initiatives that are actually focusing on silencing the Palestinian narrative. As the MA Special Commission on Combatting Antisemitism is preparing to make recommendations, we are preparing to ensure that more diverse voices are heard beyond the organizations currently on the Commission that hold an uncritical pro-Israel perspective.
• New England Network for Justice in Palestine (NENJP)
The New England Network for Justice in Palestine (NENJP) connects a wide range of affiliates throughout New England working to remedy human rights violations against Palestinians. To maximize collective effectiveness, affiliates share information, experiences, capabilities, and resources.
The Alliance has participated in NENJP since its founding in 2013. We meet to support each other in our work and share strategies.
Ongoing Vigilance
• The Joint Advocacy Group (JAG), in which we are an active member, came together in 2017 to resoundingly defeat the anti-BDS (boycott, divestment, and sanctions) bill in the MA Legislature in 2018 and 2019.
The attempt to codify the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism into Massachusetts law in 2023 is going into hibernation, but we will stay vigilant for any further attempts. The IHRA definition terms certain criticisms of Israel “antisemitic” and would undermine the freedom of expression of pro-Palestinian groups.
In addition to its state legislative focus, the Alliance through JAG educates our federal congressional delegation and encourages its members to hold Israel accountable for its actions against Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and Israel.
Annual Issues and Actions
• World Water Day—March 22
Each year the Alliance organizes an educational event or a high-visibility standout on the theft, deprivation, and destruction of water resources. Our particular focus is Israel’s theft and weaponization of water in Palestine. Many groups join us.
• Harvard College Graduation—Each May
For many years we have had large educational standouts with banners and leafleting to talk about the situation in Palestine to the very broad audience of international parents and students who fill Harvard Square. Other pro-Palestine groups and individuals always join us. For the past two years and likely moving forward, we are working in a very large coalition of groups to be present at the start of graduation day, reaching as many people as possible. In 2025 an additional focus is supporting free speech for students on campuses everywhere who speak out for Palestinian rights and against the genocide.
• Land Day (March 30) and International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People (November 29)
Even before Israel’s October 2023 assault on Gaza and genocide, our leaflets, signs, and banners have also amplified the necessity of halting US aid to Israel.
To see past actions in Massachusetts click here