RELEASE: Gottheimer Urges Immediate Vote on Bipartisan IHRA Antisemitism Bill in NJ Assembly, Following More Delays

NORTH JERSEY — Today, July 8, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) sent a letter to New Jersey Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin calling for an immediate vote on Assembly Bill A3558, bipartisan legislation that will establish the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as law in New Jersey.

This legislation — co-sponsored by nearly 70% of the state’s Assembly members — has faced repeated delays despite having received overwhelming bipartisan support. The IHRA definition will give state officials and law enforcement a clear framework for identifying and evaluating antisemitic incidents, so they can hold harassers accountable. The IHRA definition is the most widely recognized definition of antisemitism in the world, having been adopted by 35 states and the District of Columbia in addition to more than 40 countries.

“It’s outrageous and shameful that the New Jersey Assembly refuses to vote on legislation to adopt the IHRA definition of antisemitism, as hate surges across our state. New Jersey ranks third in the nation for antisemitic incidents, according to the ADL’s 2024 audit. The IHRA definition has already been adopted by 35 states — and nearly 70 percent of the Assembly co-sponsors the bill,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “In light of the recent horrific antisemitic attacks in Washington, D.C. and Boulder, the Assembly needs to stop stalling and finally bring this bill to the floor for a vote. No more delays — our Jewish communities deserve better.”

In Congress, Gottheimer has introduced the Antisemitism Awareness Act, similar bipartisan legislation to codify the IHRA definition, and require the U.S. Department of Education to apply the IHRA’s definition of antisemitism when carrying out Title VI investigations. Last Congress, Gottheimer’s legislation passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 320-91 but was not brought up for a vote in the Senate.

Full text of the letter sent to Speaker Coughlin can be found here and below:

Dear Speaker Coughlin: 

I am writing to urge you please to immediately bring Assembly Bill A3558 to the floor for a vote. This important legislation will establish the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism as law in New Jersey. It is unacceptable that, in light of the rise in antisemitic incidents both in New Jersey and nationwide, that the New Jersey Assembly, once again, opted not to vote on the measure. Now, more than ever, it is critical that the State Legislature pass this commonsense bill and immediately send it to the Governor for his signature. 

According to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), 2024 was the worst year for antisemitic incidents since the ADL began tracking these incidents more than four decades ago. According to the FBI, antisemitic incidents have soared since October 7, leading to the highest number of antisemitic hate crimes on record in the U.S.  Even more concerning, New Jersey had the third-highest number of incidents nationwide, 76% higher than in 2022, suggesting a concerning and heightened new normal of antisemitism in our state.  Jewish communities in Bergen County, for example, faced a wave of anti-Israel antisemitic activity last year. Protesters held multiple demonstrations directly outside synagogues in Teaneck and harassed Jewish individuals, spraying red paint, shouting, “Go back to Europe” and “Baby killers.” Cases like these highlight the urgent need to pass A3558.

The IHRA definition is a comprehensive and globally recognized framework addressing both modern day and ancient tropes of antisemitism. The definition has already been adopted by thirty-five states across America and in the District of Columbia, in addition to forty-five countries worldwide. Importantly, the City of Highland Park, the Borough of Woodcliff Lakes, the Borough of Flemington, Warren Township, and the towns of Margate, Longport, Ventnor, Woodbine, Livingston, Princeton, Brigantine, Middletown, Scotch Plains, Westfield, and Clinton have all already adopted or endorsed the IHRA definition. Bill A3558 also clearly states that adopting the IHRA definition does not diminish nor infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution.

In May of last year, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed my bipartisan bill, the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which would require the Department of Education to apply the IHRA definition when carrying out Title VI investigations. This bill will give State officials, universities, communities, and law enforcement a clear framework for identifying and evaluating antisemitism, so they can hold harassers accountable.

Hate and discrimination have no place in New Jersey. I ask that you please clarify the following questions:

1. Why was the legislation not taken up for a vote on June 23, despite the fact that nearly 70 percent of the Assembly is already a co-sponsor of the bill?
2. The Assembly has had multiple hearings and opportunities for the public to provide input on the bill. What is the issue preventing the Assembly from taking up the legislation?

Thank you for your attention to this important matter to our Jersey constituents. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Josh Gottheimer

MEMBER OF CONGRESS

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