John Velis

John Velis is a Massachusetts state senator representing the Hampden and Hampshire district. He co-chaired the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism alongside Representative Simon Cataldo. He has maintained close ties with the State of Israel and its representatives, taking free trips to Israel funded by JCRC, the AIPAC-affiliated American Israel Education Foundation, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Disclosures

In January 2025, John Velis accepted a free trip to Israel, paid for by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He traveled there as part of the New England Legislator’s Delegation. The total value of this trip was $6,138. disclosure and reconcilliation

In July 2023, John Velis accepted a free trip to Israel, paid for by the American Israel Education Foundation (AIEF). AIEF is a 501(c)(3) affiliated with The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). The total value of this trip was $9,451. disclosure

Links

• Trip to Western Massachusetts by Israel in Boston Aug 16, 2025 Senator Velis met with Israeli Consul General Benjamin Sharoni. The Senator gave Sharoni a tour of Westfield State University and the Basketball Hall of Fame.
• State lawmaker leading Mass. antisemitism panel took Israel-funded trip, sparking pushback from critics
• “Shame on Velis” campaign highlights senator’s role in controversial commission Feb 21, 2026 The Shoestring. Local organizers in Western MA launched a campaign criticizing Velis for his role as co-chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, which adopted the IHRA definition of antisemitism and proposed restrictions on curriculum and protest.

Bills

Instances where John Velis supported pro-Israel legislation.

Oct 12, 2023

Massachusetts Senate Resolution 2462, 193rd (2023 - 2024) A resolution declaring "the Israeli people have an inalienable right to defend themselves against acts of terrorism" and that "calls on the United States government to continue to stand with the people of Israel"

Statements

Pro-Israel letters signed by John Velis.

Dec 1, 2025

Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism Final Report The Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism recommended adoption of the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism

Events

Instances where John Velis showed support for the State of Israel.

May 15, 2025	Israel Independence Day Celebration 2025 The Israeli Consulate in Boston invited numerous local dignitaries and influencers to celebrate the founding of the State of Israel at the UMass Club.
Oct 30, 2024	ICAN Fireside Chat: One Year After October 7th Hosted by the Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN), featuring Senator John Velis. Co-sponsored by IAC New England.
Aug 18, 2024	Boston Unites Against Terror: Hostage Tunnel Immersive Exhibit An immersive exhibit simulating Hamas tunnels in Gaza, held at Boston City Hall Plaza. Supported by the Israeli Consulate, and other organizations.
Jun 10, 2024	ICAN Combating Antisemitism Summit: Massachusetts Schools Online conference hosted by the Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) on antisemitism in K-12 schools, co-sponsored by the Consulate General of Israel to New England.
Mar 27, 2024	Diplomats Seder Seder hosted by AJC New England and the Israeli Consulate to New England
Nov 10, 2023	Longmeadow Pro-Israel Rally Rally outside Springfield. Attended by State Senator John Velis.
Oct 29, 2023	Together for Israel Event hosted by Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts
Dec 1, 2016	Boston JCRC Community Leaders Study Tour Trip to Israel for State Representatives sponsored by Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston