Citing a meteoric rise in anti-Semitic incidents, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-Wyckoff) wants the State Assembly to immediately consider a controversial bill establishing a state definition of anti-Semitism.
The proposed legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Gary Schaer (D-Passaic) and Michael Inganamort (R-Chester) used the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of anti-Semitism that includes rhetorical or physical manifestations directed at Jews. The Assembly Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee was expected to vote on the bill on June 23, setting up a floor vote for June 30, but the panel canceled their vote at the last minute.
“What is the issue preventing the Assembly from taking up the legislation?” Gottheimer asked.
Gottheimer questioned why the vote was postponed when 58 of the 80 members of the State Assembly were sponsors or co-sponsors.
“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,” Gottheimer said in a letter to Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin. “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.”
New Jersey ranks third in the U.S. for anti-Semitic incidents, according to a 2024 audit conducted by the Anti-Defamation League. The IHRA definition has already been adopted by 35 states. Gottheimer says the bill “does not diminish nor infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution.”
RELATED ARTICLES
-
-
July 19, 2019 -
September 30, 2019