Two pieces of critical legislation were recently introduced in the New Jersey State Senate for consideration. S1292, which was introduced in January 2024, will require that in reviewing, investigating or deciding whether there has been a violation of any policy, law or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts, the state must take into consideration this definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) for purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by antisemitic intent.

S1292 also appropriates $100,000 to the Office of the Attorney General for the creation of a public awareness campaign to promote bias crime reporting, which is an investment in safety and collective action against bias crimes, including acts considered antisemitic.

S2937, which was introduced on March 11, 2024, will require the IHRA definition of antisemitism and the United Nation’s definition of Islamophobia to be incorporated in the state’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging policies, and in any such policy for recipients of state funds. Kudos to New Jersey Senator Gordon Johnson (D-Bergen) for being a co-sponsor of S1292 and a primary sponsor of S2937, standing against Jew-hatred and advocating for a New Jersey that is safe for all of its residents.

Josh Fine
Highland Park