Massachusetts Genocide Education Bill Heads to Governor After Legislative Passage

BOSTON — July 22, 2026 — Boston civic leaders light Hanukkah menorah at Holocaust Memorial to mark genocide education legislation. Gathered at the New England Holocaust Memorial on Boston's Freedom Trail, speakers including Mayor Wu, State Senator Michael Rodericks of the 1st Bristol and Plymouth District, and State Representative Jeff Roy of the 10th Norfolk District celebrated the passage of a Genocide Education Bill — which mandates Holocaust and genocide instruction in every Massachusetts middle and high school — that was sent to Governor Charlie Baker for signature the previous week. Jeremy Burton, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, organized the event alongside Combined Jewish Philanthropy, the Anti-Defamation League of New England, and more than 60 coalition partners. Roy, who first filed a predecessor bill in 2013, credited Senate President Karen Spilka and Speaker Ron Mariano for making the measure a priority. Rabbi Elaine Zecker of Temple Israel led the candle-lighting blessings before Mayor Wu served as ceremonial shamash on the second night of Hanukkah.