Jewish Federations of New Jersey (JFNJ), a statewide coalition representing New Jersey’s over 600,000 Jews, applauds the New Jersey General Assembly State and Local Government Committee for advancing A3558—a bill adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. This important step follows the bill’s earlier progress through a NJ Senate committee and marks growing momentum in the effort to confront rising antisemitism across the state. JFNJ urges swift passage by both houses of the State Legislature.

A3558 adopts the IHRA working definition of antisemitism as a tool for law enforcement and government agencies to better recognize, understand, and respond to antisemitic acts. The legislation instructs state authorities to consider the widely accepted definition when investigating hate crimes or discriminatory acts against Jews. The IHRA definition has been endorsed by 37 U.S. states and more than 1,200 organizations, municipalities, and universities worldwide.

“Today’s vote is an important step forward in protecting New Jersey’s Jewish community and confronting the rising tide of antisemitism,” said Jason M. Shames, President & CEO, Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. “By adopting the IHRA definition, our state sends a clear message that hate in any form has no place here. We thank the Committee members and the Speaker for their leadership and urge both houses of the State Legislature to pass this vital bill without delay.”

Robin Freedman-Kramer, CEO of the Jewish Federation of West-Central New Jersey, emphasized the importance of giving law enforcement the tools to act: “In order to combat a problem, it needs to be clearly defined. With the passage of the IHRA definition of antisemitism out of committee today, this is the first step in giving law enforcement the tools they need to help protect the Jewish community in New Jersey. We are grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.”

Jennifer Dubrow Weiss, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey, added: “We are thrilled to celebrate, alongside all fellow Jewish New Jerseyans today. The passing of this bill which recognizes the IHRA definition of antisemitism is critical to ensure Jews in New Jersey feel safe, protected, and heard.”

“Adopting the IHRA definition through A3558 is a critical step in giving our state a clear standard to identify antisemitism,” said Steve Levy, Interim CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ. “Without that clarity, it’s difficult to hold bad actors accountable. We were proud to stand in Trenton alongside allies from both within and beyond the Jewish community to support this important legislation.”

Today’s committee vote marks a long-overdue and critical step in the fight against antisemitism in New Jersey,” said Susan Antman, Executive Director, Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ. “This bill protects both the Jewish community and free speech by clearly defining antisemitism without infringing on constitutional rights. We thank Speaker Coughlin and Chairman Karabinchak for their leadership and urge the full Assembly and Senate to move swiftly to pass this important legislation.

JFNJ is comprised of five member Federations: Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ, Jewish Federation of Northern NJ, Jewish Federation of Southern NJ, and Jewish Federation of West-Central NJ. Together, they advocate for the safety, security, and flourishing of Jewish life throughout the state.