Today, Senator Singer, Ned Thomson and Sean Kean penned a letter to Assembly and Senate colleagues seeking their support of our bill A3882 which would establish a statutory definition of anti-Semitism in NJ consistent with the definition established by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance.

Here’s the letter:

Dear Colleagues:

As you are all aware, just this weekend New Jersey had another hateful attack on a Jewish synagogue, Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield. These attacks are too common, and we need to work together to combat antisemitism.

We want to share an op-ed from Rabbi David C. Levy about the importance of having the State define antisemitism, specifically that found in A-3882, which is currently before the Legislature. Here is a link to the article, titled “Seeking action against antisemitism instead of moments of silence”.

As antisemitism continues to be a growing danger, this legislation provides a comprehensive description of the multifaceted nature of antisemitism, which includes discrimination, hatred of Jews, and conspiracy theories. Since 2016 this definition has been adopted or endorsed by 38 countries, the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Department of Education, and 27 states. The definition was also endorsed in 2021 by the New Jersey State League of Municipalities representing all 564 of New Jersey’s municipalities.

In keeping with our moving tribute recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day last Thursday in the General Assembly, we would urge you to consider joining us in sponsoring this important legislation.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss this issue further.