Today, the Jewish community turned out at the New Jersey State Assembly committee hearing to urge swift passage of the IHRA antisemitism bill. To our immense surprise, shock, and dismay, the committee tabled the legislation mere minutes before the hearing—catching even the bill’s two sponsors off guard. In protest, the Jewish delegation called attention to the failure, stood, and walked out.

This bill was first introduced three years ago in the prior legislative session. The Senate committee approved a version in June 2024, but the Assembly has yet to act. Over the past year, the Assembly has let this legislation languish while antisemitic incidents and hate crimes in New Jersey have surged.

For the last year, Jewish Federations and its coalition partners have worked closely with elected officials to secure passage of the bill. We trusted the process—and the moral clarity of our elected officials—to do what is right. 

It is deeply embarrassing and disconcerting that New Jersey—the state with the fourth-largest Jewish population in the nation—cannot pass straightforward legislation to ensure the safety and security of its Jewish residents.

Our community will continue to ensure that law enforcement, government agencies, and our schools have the tools they need to keep our community members safe.