Schaer Highlights Legislation to Establish Statewide Definition of Anti-Semitism & Launch Public Awareness Campaign

Bill Comes Amid Record-High Anti-Semitic Incidents in New Jersey

(TRENTON) – Seeking to combat the rise in anti-Jewish hatred here in New Jersey and throughout the country, Assemblyman Gary Schaer is highlighting his legislation that would establish a State definition of anti-Semitism. Bill A3558 would also task the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General with creating a public awareness campaign to promote bias crime reporting in the Garden State. Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly also sponsored the bipartisan legislation. To date, 54 Assembly members have signed onto the bill.

According to JewishVirtualLibrary.org, 35 states have advanced a proclamation or executive order recognizing the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA)‘s working definition of anti-Semitism. By increasing the awareness of this definition, bill A3558 would foster greater responsiveness from institutions and agencies when it comes to contemporary anti-Jewish crime and discrimination.

According to the Anti-Defamation League of New York and New Jersey, there were 830 total anti-Semitic incidents in 2023 in the Garden State, the highest number ever recorded by the ADL and an increase of 103% over the previous year. The ADL noted that 409 anti-Semitic incidents occurred in the fourth quarter of 2023 alone, the exact number that was reported for the entirety of 2022.

“The IHRA definition of anti-Semitism is a needed instrument in the fight against hatred and discrimination. It provides a clear and inclusive framework for identifying and addressing anti-Semitic incidents while safeguarding freedom of speech and expression,” Assemblyman Schaer (D-Bergen, Passaic) said. “By implementing the IHRA definition, we can affirm our commitment to combating anti-Semitism in all forms to build a more inclusive society. It is long past due for New Jersey to adopt this definition, and I am committed now more than ever to ensuring that becomes reality.”

The legislation would also appropriate $100,000 for the Attorney General’s Office to establish a comprehensive public awareness campaign focused on educating communities about bias crimes, how to report them, and the resources available through the New Jersey Bias Crimes Reporting Unit in order to promote safer, more inclusive communities.

“This legislation is a critical, and long overdue, step forward in addressing the alarming rise in anti-Semitism in our state,” said Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly (D-Bergen, Passaic). “By establishing a clear definition and launching this public awareness campaign, we are taking meaningful action to protect Jewish communities and all those affected by these events. Any hate and discrimination have no place in New Jersey.”

“Establishing the most widely accepted definition of antisemitism worldwide is vital to New Jersey’s effort in protecting our Jewish Communities,” said Rabbi David Levy, New Jersey Regional Director for the American Jewish Committee.

Assemblyman Schaer is proud to have the partnership of the Jewish Federations statewide, Teach NJ, the American Jewish Committee, Agudath Israel, and other organizations.