New Jersey must not delay actions on antisemitism
By: Philip Goldwasser
Your Turn
Guest columnist
..... Earlier this year, [2026] New Jersey appeared poised to take a long-overdue step in confronting antisemitism. Legislation to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's or IHRA's, working definition of antisemitism was scheduled for a vote in the state Assembly after years of debate and careful revisions. then, at the last minute, the vote was shelved.
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For Jewish communities across New Jersey, that was a deeply disturbing decision. At a time when antisemitism is rising sharply, delay sends the wrong signal. Our elected officials must now quickly bring this legislation back for a vote and finally ensure its passage.
..... The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance was founded in 1998 as a coalition of democratic nations commuted to Holocaust education, research and remembrance. in 2016, it adopted a working definition of antisemitism that has since become the most widely accepted standard among governments, universities and civil society institutions. It is already used across much of the world, including by dozens of counties, the European Parliament, the federal government and 37 U.S. states. the prolonged debate here in New jersey has left our sate lagging behind.
..... For several years, lawmakers here have introduced IHIA legislation only to see it stall. during that same period, antisemitism has surged in New Jersey's schools, on our college campuses and in our public spaces.. Public officials have been left without a clear, sheared framework for recognizing and resounding to it.
..... The
data is alarming. According to the Anti-Defanation League, New Jersey consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of antisemitic incidents in the country, including violence, harassment, vandalism and threats. Jewish students report being targeted. Synagogues face ongoing security concerns. Families increasingly question whether it is safe to live identifiably as Jews. This is not an abstract policy debate. it is our day-to-day reality.
What would the IHRA definition mean?
..... Adapting the IHRA definition would give New Jersey a practical and established tool to confront antisemitism as it exists today. [02/200/2026] The definition is not a criminal statute and does not restrict lawful speech. it is non-binding guidance designed to help institutions identify antisemitism in its many forms, including Holocaust denial, classic antisemitic tropes and the denial of Jewish self-determination. it makes explicit that criticism, of Israel, like criticism of any other country, is not antisemitic.
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Opponents often say that adopting IHRA would undermine free speech or academic freedom. that concern has been taken seriously by the bill's sponsors. Over multiple legislative sessions, the language was refined to ensure robust First amendment protections. The legislation does not prohibit political advocacy or debate. It does not punish disagreement. It affirms a basic principle already reflected in law" Speech is protected, discrimination and harassment are not.
..... What the IHRA definition does is help educators, administrators and policymakers distinguish between legitimate discourse and rhetoric hat relies on antisemitic stereotypes or denies Jews the right to exist as a people. Without that clarity, responds to antisemitism become inconsistent, hesitant and ineffective.
.... I was one of the first rabbis in New Jersey to sign a letter organized by the group The Jewish Majority calling on our political leader in New Jersey to immediately revisit and pass legislation that adopts the IHRA definitional of antisemitism. Since then, more than 100 rabbis form across the state have added their names. We represent a broad range of religious practice and political viewpoints but share a specific concern that in a moment of growing communal exposure, our communities are more vulnerable without a clear definition of antisemitism.
State lawmakers should act
..... Te debate over IHRA has gone on long enough. The legislation has been studied, amended and delayed. The safeguard for free speech are explicit. Meanwhile, antisemitism continues to rise.
..... The Assembly's decision to shelve the vote at the last minute should not be the final word. New Jersey's elected officials must unrelenting enact this legislation without further delay.
..... Adopting the IHRA working definitional will not end antisemitism overnight, but it will send a strong massage that New Jersey understands the problem and is prepared to confront it. Hesitating to define antisemitism is not neutrality; it is a choice. and it is one New Jersey can no longer afford.
.... Philip Goldwasser is a New Jersey-based rabbi and Jewish educator dedicated to Jewish life, leaning and communal responsibility.