TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey lawmakers took a step toward formally defining antisemitism on Thursday, advancing legislation that uses a widely recognized international standard as a basis amid rising reports of antisemitic incidents in the state.
The Assembly State and Local Government Committee released bill A3558, which adopts the May 26, 2016, definition of antisemitism issued by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA). The measure is backed by Assembly Republicans, including primary sponsor Michael Inganamort (R-Morris), and cosponsored by 21 members of the Assembly Republican Conference.
Assemblywoman Claire Swift (R-Atlantic), a committee member, pointed to her deep roots in the Jewish community of Margate and Atlantic County in supporting the measure. “The fact that we have to vote on a bill to define antisemitism is antiquated and inconceivable,” Swift said during the meeting.
The legislation follows the October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorist attack in Israel, in which 1,200 Israelis and 46 Americans were killed, and 251 people were taken hostage. In the months since, the Anti-Defamation League has documented record-high levels of antisemitic incidents, with a 5% increase over the previous year and a 344% increase over the past five years. New Jersey ranks third in the nation for reported incidents, behind only New York and California.
Supporters of the bill said it aims to provide a consistent framework to recognize antisemitic acts while maintaining constitutional protections for free speech and academic expression.
Assemblyman Erik Simonsen (R-Cape May), who also serves on the committee, emphasized that the bill targets hate without restricting constitutional rights. “Hate speech is not free speech no matter the religion, race, ethnicity, et cetera,” Simonsen said.
The bill now advances to the full Assembly for consideration.