Hamas Tunnel Exhibit at Boston City Hall Engages Elected Leaders and Highlights Efforts to Combat Antisemitism
From August 18 to August 20, a replica of a Hamas tunnel was installed at Boston City Hall. This installation aimed to provide a brief but realistic experience of the conditions faced by Israeli hostages. The exhibit, which has previously been displayed in Geneva and Washington, D.C., was co-sponsored by the Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN).
ICAN invited members and staff of the Massachusetts legislature to visit the exhibit, offering them an opportunity to engage directly with the experience alongside local Israeli-American leadership. This initiative aligns with ICAN’s broader efforts to combat antisemitism and promote Jewish inclusion in Massachusetts.
The installation was housed in a six-by-two-and-a-half-meter shipping container. Participants spent about three minutes walking through the tunnel, which replicated the environment that hostages endure. The exhibit included visual and auditory elements, such as sounds from the October 7th attacks and images of the hostages still held in captivity.
Senator John Velis, who played a key role in the inclusion of Budget Amendment 803 in the recently signed Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) state budget, attended the event. This amendment, supported by a bipartisan coalition, mandates the Massachusetts Department of Education to provide essential resources to combat antisemitism in educational institutions across the state. The amendment also establishes a special commission on combating antisemitism, tasked with monitoring trends, recommending strategies, and ensuring robust protections against hate crimes.
Representative Simon Cataldo also attended the exhibit, along with several legislative staff members. Their participation reflects the significance of this issue within the state’s political context and highlights the ongoing efforts to address antisemitism at both the legislative and community levels.
Robert Mayer, ICAN National Co-Chairman, emphasized the significance of legislative leaders experiencing the exhibit alongside members of the Israeli-American community. “It is crucial for our legislators to witness firsthand the realities that Israeli hostages face, especially in the company of Israeli-Americans. This shared experience helps to deepen their understanding of the challenges our community endures, including the intense antisemitic backlash we experienced just 24 hours after October 7th. It strengthens their commitment to combating antisemitism through informed policymaking,” Mayer said.
The exhibit at Boston City Hall was available for a limited time, and its next locations have not yet been confirmed. The installation aims to raise awareness of the hostages’ situation and encourage further support for their release, while also reinforcing the importance of legislative efforts like Amendment 803 in combating hate and promoting inclusivity.
The Israeli-American Civic Action Network (ICAN) is the only organization that brings together Israeli and American activists to create change for a better America, a more secure Israel, and a stronger U.S.-Israel alliance. ICAN works with community leaders, elected officials, and grassroots organizations to strengthen the bond between the United States and Israel at all levels of government through civic education, advocacy, and public engagement. It also promotes policies that support the Israeli-American community and foster mutual understanding. With a focus on policy leadership and strategic engagement, ICAN is committed to empowering Israeli-American activists and pro-Israel Americans to take an active role in shaping public policy.