Trenton, NJ – New Jersey United (“NJU”), an organization dedicated to combating antisemitism and advocating for the safety and dignity of Jewish communities, expresses deep disappointment in the New Jersey Assembly Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee’s decision to delay a vote on bill A3558, which would adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into state law. This inaction, following a year of legislative stagnation and despite repeated compelling testimony from Jewish community members, is a painful setback in the fight against rising anti-Jewish hatred in New Jersey and across the nation.
The IHRA definition provides a clear, comprehensive framework for identifying and addressing antisemitism, including hatred, discrimination, and Holocaust denial, while explicitly protecting free speech and legitimate criticism of any country, including Israel. Adopted by 46 countries, 37 U.S. states, and the European Union, this definition is a proven tool to combat antisemitism without stifling open discourse. New Jersey’s failure to move forward with this critical legislation is not only a missed opportunity but a profound disrespect to the over 600,000 Jewish residents of the state who face escalating threats and violence.
Recent FBI data underscores the urgency of this issue: despite comprising just 2% of the U.S. population, Jews are the most frequent targets of religious-based hate crimes. In 2023, New Jersey State Police reported anti-Jewish incidents as the second-highest type of bias crimes in the state. High-profile attacks, such as the June 1, 2025, firebombing in Boulder, Colorado, and the May 21, 2025, shooting of Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C., highlight the deadly consequences of unchecked antisemitism.
New Jersey United calls on all New Jersey candidates and elected officials to publicly and unequivocally support the adoption of the IHRA definition. We urge Governor Phil Murphy, Senate leadership, and Assembly members to prioritize this legislation and swiftly bring A3558 to a vote. Furthermore, we call on candidates in the upcoming elections to make their stance on IHRA clear to voters, as Jewish communities across the state demand accountability and action from those seeking to represent them.
New Jersey United remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for policies that ensure the safety and security of Jewish New Jerseyans. We will continue to mobilize voters, engage with policymakers, and hold elected officials accountable until the IHRA definition is enshrined in state law.