Public Calls on New Governor to Demonstrate Commitment to Jewish Safety as NJ Recorded One of the Highest Numbers of Antisemitic Incidents in the Nation

NEW JERSEY — New data from the Anti Defamation League’s 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents found New Jersey had the third highest amount of anti-Jewish harassment, vandalism and physical assault in 2025. Today, New Jersey residents sent a statewide petition, as first reported in NorthJersey.com, which is still circulating to collect signatures, calling on Governor Mikie Sherrill and the New Jersey Legislature to immediately revive and pass legislation adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.

The petition, organized by The Jewish Majority, comes after reports that the legislation was shelved under former Governor Phil Murphy due to political concerns — a decision that sparked widespread outrage among Jewish leaders across the state. Petition signers say the transition to a new administration presents a critical opportunity to correct course and put Jewish safety ahead of politics. The effort also follows an open letter signed by over 100 New Jersey rabbis urging state leaders to take action.

“Antisemitism in the United States has reached alarming levels, and New Jersey has not been spared,” the petition states. “Jewish institutions, students, and families across our state face harassment, intimidation, and bias, leaving many of us feeling unsafe in public spaces, on campuses, and in our communities.”

The petition follows recent reporting documenting what it described as “a tidal wave of intimidation, harassment and threats” facing Jews across New Jersey, including assaults, vandalism, bomb threats, and harassment in public spaces.

“The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition provides the needed framework,” the petition states, noting that it has been adopted by 1,334 entities worldwide, including 37 U.S. states plus D.C and 47 national governments. The definition, signers argue, reflects how antisemitism manifests today, including in coded and contemporary forms, and provides public officials with a shared standard to recognize bias and take informed action.

Petition signatories say they were “deeply dismayed” that legislation to adopt the IHRA definition was shelved for political reasons at a time when antisemitism is rising and Jewish communities are seeking protection and clarity.

“Defining antisemitism clearly is not symbolic, it is a practical necessity,” the petition states, urging Governor Sherrill and state lawmakers to act without delay and pass legislation adopting the IHRA definition as a statewide standard, applying it to training, education, and hate-crime response systems.

The full petition and signatories can be read HERE.

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About The Jewish Majority: The Jewish Majority is a nonpartisan research and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring that the authentic priorities of the Jewish community are accurately represented in public life. Through polling, education, and coalition-building, The Jewish Majority equips communal leaders with the tools to counter fringe groups that weaponize Jewish identity to advance positions the overwhelming majority of Jewish Americans reject. Learn more at jewishmajority.org.