Latest news with #JohnVelis
Boston Globe
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Brick thrown at Brookline kosher grocery store highlights antisemitism's rise
This act was, simply, antisemitic in the way it blamed a Jewish individual in America for the actions of the Jewish state in Israel. Advertisement As a state that values every resident, we must emphasize clearly that antisemitism is wrong and antisemitic actions can't be tolerated. We must work to change a culture where slogans that can be perceived as violent threats against the Jewish people — like 'globalize the intifada,' a reference to the often violent uprisings by Palestinians in Israel — are considered acceptable discourse. Get The Gavel A weekly SCOTUS explainer newsletter by columnist Kimberly Atkins Stohr. Enter Email Sign Up While the brick was thrown when the store was closed, any attack on a Jewish individual can spark fear across the entire Jewish community. That is especially true after two lethal attacks recently. In Washington, D.C., two Israeli embassy staffers Advertisement Earlier this month, an Egyptian man was charged with Attacks against Jews are nothing new in the Boston area. In 2021, a man was The The Massachusetts Legislature formed the Commission cochair state Senator John Velis (D-Westfield) says one challenge is the tendency to see antisemitism as someone else's problem. 'People on the left see it on the right, people on the right see it on the left,' Velis said. 'Antisemitism today shape-shifts, it mutates, it's ubiquitous. It's moved away from being only on the right or left, it's everywhere.' Advertisement Jeremy Burton, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston, attributed antisemitism's rise to a culture that lets progressive groups conflate criticism of Israel with language that demonizes Jews. 'The use of Zionists as a slur has been normalized,' Burton said. 'There is this willingness to absolve and minimize a rhetoric which tolerates, if not promotes, violence against Jews anywhere, as if no harm might come from that.' There are real debates about the distinctions between anti-Zionism — opposing Israel's right to exist as a Jewish state — and antisemitism. Activists have every right to criticize Israel, its government, and its military. A robust debate about Israel's prolonged and deadly military campaign against Hamas in Gaza is warranted. But the Butcherie is not a political institution; it's a store that sells food to Jews who adhere to religious dietary laws. The brick was thrown through a window displaying a winery map of Israel that depicted the disputed West Bank as part of Israel. But holding a Jewish-owned store responsible for actions of the Israeli government has no justification. It would strike most people as obviously bigoted — and ridiculous — to protest for a 'free Tibet' by throwing a brick through the window of a Chinese grocery store, even if it displayed a map that included Tibet. Yet too many Americans can't bring themselves to understand that it's just as wrong to inflict violence on Jews or Jewish institutions to protest Israel. Advertisement Brandeis University Professor of American Jewish History Jonathan Sarna said historically, domestic antisemitism rises when tensions rise between Israel and its Arab neighbors. Sarna said what struck him was the premeditation involved in writing a message on the brick, which implies not sudden anger but a statement of power. 'This incident, in addition to trying to make Jews fearful … is also about an expression of power, a reminder to Jews that we, whoever the people are who threw the rock, are stronger or at least are able to inflict lots of fear upon you,' Sarna said. That's a message our society cannot accept. Editorials represent the views of the Boston Globe Editorial Board. Follow us
Business Recorder
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
US dollar softens in choppy trade
NEW YORK: The dollar was softer in choppy trading on Monday, as investors monitored the fighting between Israel and Iran for signs that it could escalate into a broader regional conflict and braced for a week packed with central bank meetings. As both Iran and Israel showed no signs of backing off from their attacks, market participants mulled the prospect that Tehran might seek to choke off the Strait of Hormuz - the world's most important gateway for oil shipping. This could raise broader economic risks from disruptions in the energy-rich Middle East. The dollar, which until recently had always been the ultimate safe haven in times of geopolitical or financial turmoil, slipped 0.3% to 143.73 Japanese yen after rising nearly 0.4% earlier on Monday. The euro rose 0.5% to $1.1604. The US currency was also softer against the Swiss franc at 0.8104 franc, while an index that measures the dollar against six peers declined 0.5% to 97.74. 'We're looking for the US dollar to stay subdued, as the Israel-Iran conflict looks to be holding at a steady state so far,' said John Velis, head of Americas macro strategy at BNY Markets. 'We find it noteworthy not to see a significant haven bid for the US dollar as well as for US Treasuries, neither of which rallied as one might expect when geopolitical risk flares up as it has over the past several days.' Oil prices fell 3.3%, following Friday's 7% rally to near six-month highs in the wake of Israel's preemptive strike on Iran. 'Despite this Israeli-Iranian war, that seems to have escalated, the dollar, gold and oil prices are lower on the day. The markets have been focusing on the central banks,' said Marc Chandler, chief market strategist at Bannockburn Global Forex. Currencies that are positively correlated to risk such as the Australian and the New Zealand dollars were 0.9% and 1.2% higher, respectively, while the oil-exposed Norwegian crown was up just 0.3%, after hitting its highest since early 2023 earlier in the day. On Friday, investors had bought back into the dollar, which has lost more than 9% in value against a basket of six other currencies this year as US President Donald Trump's move to reshape the global trade order heightened economic uncertainty. But analysts were less convinced that the trend could continue until there was more clarity on the tariff front. 'The 800-pound gorilla in the room is the US tariff policy,' Chandler said. 'We've got the July 9 date that the so-called reciprocal tariffs are supposed to end. ... And so that sort of hangs over the market.' The US Federal Reserve gives its latest policy decision on Wednesday, with the Israel-Iran conflict adding complexity for policymakers. Investors remain nervous over Trump's deadline on trade deals due in about three weeks, while agreements with major trade partners, including the European Union and Japan, are yet to be signed. They will look for progress in any bilateral meetings with the US on the sidelines of a Group of Seven leaders' meeting in Canada. Top of the agenda this week is a host of central bank monetary policy decisions, with the spotlight on the Fed.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lawmakers gather input on behavioral health initiative in Agawam schools
AGAWAM, Mass. (WWLP) – State lawmakers are getting feedback Tuesday evening on a new behavioral health initiative launched in Agawam Public Schools. State lawmakers led a discussion in Agawam Tuesday evening, in the fight to improve student mental health. Holyoke Community College to offer free course in AI essentials There, they solicited feedback on the state's new behavioral health initiative called 'MC-PAP' for schools, which launched a year ago within the Agawam public school system. 'It's hard being a kid these days,' says Senate President Karen E. Spilka. 'And we need as adults to make it easier to provide mental health services as early as possible.' It is meant to connect available resources for each student's individual needs through a systemic approach, improving behavioral health support, using data points from nurse visits to attendance as well as social-emotional screenings to identify students who might otherwise fly under the radar. Senator John Velis adds, 'Wow, this is sad. A lot is going on with the kids, but also they are raising their hands and talking about it, I don't know if that would have been the case 6,7 years ago.' The program also assesses district-wide mental health strategies and how families are being reached. 'We've made a lot of great gains this year, increasing student access to community providers,' says MCPAP Consultant Jen Brennan. 'Our main goal is to think about a sustainable process that school districts can follow.' The key takeaway as the first year of the initiative comes to a close. Real progress is possible if schools, families, and the community work together to meet the student where they are. 'It's really about increasing access and increasing it more quickly for kids that need it,' adds Sara Whitcomb, Associate Director of Research and Evaluation for the Boston Children's Neighborhood Partnerships Program. In addition to this program, Senate President Karen Spilka says they are working on legislation to address cellphone use in the classroom, telling 22News it only adds to the mental health crisis. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Local Council of Scouting America honors Velis, other local leaders
HOLYOKE — The Western Massachusetts Council of Scouting America hosted its annual Distinguished Citizen Dinner on June 4 at the Log Cabin as a pioneering astronaut, a decorated state senator, a university president and a leading attorney were all highlighted for their career work. State Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) was the main honoree of the night as he was named recipient of the Sherrif Michael J. Ashe Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award for his steadfast commitment to public service, veterans' issues and youth empowerment across the region. 'Never underestimate your ability to have a difference, to make an impact on a fellow human being. You can make a difference on a daily basis. A lot of people don't think they can so they don't, but you can make a difference,' Velis said. 'Be mindful of how you treat people when you are on the way up, because that is how they are going to treat you on the way down.' For over a century, scouting has helped young people become responsible citizens and leaders through service, kindness and a commitment to helping others. In today's fast-paced, digital world, these values remain as important as ever as a reminder of the power of community, character and face-to-face connection. 'Throughout his public service career, Sen. John Velis has consistently exemplified these values and the principle of servant leadership, which is a cornerstone of the scouting program,' said John Willemain, president and board chairman of the Western Mass. Council of Scouting America. 'As a veteran, legislator and dedicated advocate for the well-being of all residents in Western Mass., Sen. Velis has worked tirelessly to promote mental health services, support veterans and military families, and strengthen our communities through thoughtful and compassionate leadership. We are honored to present Sen. John Velis with the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award.' Speaking prior to Velis accepting his honor was special guest Hampden County Sheriff Nick Cocchi who shared what Velis means to him as a friend and leader among the community. 'We thank Sen. John Velis for his steadfast support of the Hampden County Sherriff's Office in our mission to serve and protect and rehabilitate,' said Cocchi. 'Sen. Velis has been a tireless advocate for our world, particularly in the areas of mental health, substance use recovery and reentry support.' Also honored during the night through two new awards to the ceremony were Frank Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Law and Westfield State University President Dr. Linda Thompson. Willemain said both honorees reflect the same core values they strive to instill in every scout. Fitzgerald was honored with the Distinguished Citizen in Business Award for his integrity, civic engagement and leadership in the legal community. As founder of Fitzgerald Law, PC, 30 years ago Fitzgerald's practice focuses on corporate law, finance, business succession planning, banking law, and mergers and acquisitions. 'As I thought about my remarks tonight, I thought how does this happen. Upon reflection, clearly it does not happen without the foundation of support from the people in your life,' Fitzgerald said. 'With the scouts here tonight, know that your actions matter. Your service projects, your community involvement, the example you set, it all matters. You're not just leaders of tomorrow, you are the leaders of today. Keep leaning into your values, keep standing up for what's right and keep serving even when no one is watching.' Fitzgerald has also been active through several local and national charitable organizations including the Ronald McDonald House, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Aspergers Association, Down Syndrome Foundation and the American Cancer Society. Thompson was presented the Distinguished Citizen in Education honor in recognition of her commitment to educational excellence and student success. Thompson is the 21st president of Westfield State University and was the dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Boston prior to her current role. Thompson also had leadership positions in public policy. In Baltimore City, Maryland, she served as director of occupational medicine and safety and developed programs and policies to promote the health of the city workforce, including the implementation of policies for HIV prevention and substance use and abuse. 'Running a university requires the input of many voices. It takes meaningful collaboration, teamwork and a selfless sense of pride to make all systems smoothly work. I share this award in recognition with the individuals who I work with every day. Our faculty, our staff, our librarians and of course every student on our campus,' Thompson said. 'One of the tenants and values of scouting is the focus on honest, fair, dependable and compassionate leadership. At Westfield State University, we share those values and like scouting, we do our best to guide our students to realize leadership skills and make improvements within their community. Like scouting, we believe leadership skills are critical to the advancement of our neighborhoods, businesses, government, healthcare and our families, just to name a few.' Delivering the keynote address for the event was Catherine 'Cady' Coleman, a retired NASA astronaut, scientist and U.S. Air Force colonel who spoke about her lifetime achievements and reflected briefly on when she was young and in scouting. While speaking she had a slideshow presentation playing simultaneously showing images and videos of her time spent in space. Coleman has more than 180 days spent in space, accumulated during two space shuttle missions and a six-month expedition to the International Space Station as the lead robotics and lead science officer. Coleman had a simple message for the scouts and families in the room: dream big. 'Troops have to find a way to work together, and I think what keeps us together is the mission. The mission that you're a part of. What you're all about — I've heard the scouting pledge. You're about helping each other learn how to be those people,' Coleman said. 'Even when you're trying to focus on the mission, you still really have to connect with each other to do that.' Coleman now is a popular public speaker and media consultant while also serving as a research affiliate to MIT's Media Lab. Her book, 'Sharing Space: An Astronaut's Guide to Mission, Wonder and Making Change,' focuses on her NASA experiences and the insights she gained as an astronaut and is available in book stores and online. 'This year's event celebrates bold leadership — from the halls of government and academia to the edges of space,' said Craig Sims, scout executive of the Western Massachusetts Council. 'We are especially proud to welcome Cady Coleman, whose extraordinary life and career reflect the courage, curiosity and commitment we strive to instill in every scout.' Proceeds from the night will support scouting programs throughout Western Mass., providing youth with hands-on opportunities to build character, leadership and a lifelong dedication to service. The Western Massachusetts Council serves youth in the region through scouting programs that foster leadership, citizenship and outdoor adventure. The council is committed to preparing youth for life through character-building experiences and community engagement. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scouting America Western Massachusetts honors leaders at annual dinner
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The 'Scouting America Western Massachusetts Council' held its annual distinguished citizen dinner Wednesday evening in Holyoke. Eversource conducts 'Turtle-palooza' wildlife protection training in Agawam Several community leaders who have made an impact on the region were honored Wednesday. These leaders include NASA astronaut Cady Coleman, State Senator John Velis, and Westfield State President Dr. Linda Thompson. The event supports local scouting programs, providing youth with hands-on opportunities to build character, leadership, and a lifelong dedication to service. John Willemain with the Council told 22News, 'It's a tremendous program and it's been shown with studies that any youth who was in scouting for any period does much better in their development and growth down the road.' WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
