Framingham Has 'Had Enough' After Antisemitic Posts At School

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A Framingham Jewish temple will host an all-ages, interfaith Shabbat service on Friday in response to Framingham students using antisemitic language on social media. Meanwhile, Mayor Yvonne Spicer has issued a call for action, saying that "vigils [and] prayer services" are not enough in the face of racism.

Over the weekend, middle school-age students at Christa McAuliffe Charter School were caught using antisemitic slurs on a Snapchat group. School officials asked Framingham police to investigate.

Temple Beth Am Rabbi Sharon L. Sobel this week wrote to McAuliffe school officials to ask them to bring the Anti-Defamation League to Framingham to talk with students about antisemitism. The New England branch of the ADL accepts reports of antisemitic or racist behavior, and publicizes incidents in Massachusetts on a map.

"As the rabbi of Temple Beth Am, the Reform congregation in Framingham, I have many congregants at McAuliffe. I write to not only offer my support, but to offer an opportunity to educate students about antisemitism and racism," Sobel wrote.

In a written statement on Wednesday, Spicer issued an emphatic statement against the McAuliffe incident — and others she's witnessed.

“ENOUGH! I’ve had enough! You should be fed up too! I’m angry! I’m disappointed,
and I’m exhausted with the constant attacks on our residents. We will not stand for this any longer!" Spicer said in a written statement on Wednesday.

"As mayor, I’ve responded to numerous events of racism, Islamophobia, homophobia, and antisemitism. It’s not enough to have vigils, prayer services, and condolence statements. We need action!"

Spicer did not release specifics on what action the city might take. But she did say the city needs to "unacceptable behavior unacceptable."

Temple Beth Am's "Stand Up for Shabbat"event happens Oct. 18 at 7:15 p.m., Temple Beth Am, 300 Pleasant St.