January 9, 2026 - The Jewish Federations of New Jersey (JFNJ) today expressed deep frustration following the New Jersey Legislature's decision not to advance A3558/S1292 - th IHRA antisemitism bill. This timely legislation would have established a clear, non-binding state definition of antisemitism to serve as a critical advisory tool for law enforcement, public officials, and educators in investigating hate crimes and acts of discrimination, while explicitly safeguarding constitutional free speech protections, including the right to criticize the government of Israel. A3558 would not have established any new crimes but enhanced the application of the state's existing anti-bias statues by providing law enforcement with an objective standard to determine if criminal conduct was motivated by antisemitic bias.

In 2024, according to FBI statistics, 69% of all religious-based hate crimes in the US were committed against Jews even though Jews make up less than 2% of the entire US population. At a time when antisemitic incidents are rising at record levels across New Jersey - a state with one of the highest rates of antisemitic incidents nationally - this decision was a capitulation to political convenience over the fair treatment and protection of hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans. The IHRA legislation was intended to provide clarity and guidance - not limit speech - and would have helped law enforcement capture the complex reality of how antisemitism functions in the real world. It is critical to remember that this definition would have been used to evaluate motive for criminal conduct, and it is incomprehensible that New Jersey's Legislature will not allow for the identification of bias and hatred crimes toward a New Jersey Jewish community of over 600,000, instead yielding to baseless opposition - in essence choosing to protect individuals charged with a crime over victims of antisemitic bias intimidation.

Our gratitude goes to those legislators who have championed this effort. While profoundly disappointed, JFNJ remains hopeful that legislative leaders will continue this important conversation and work with community stakeholders to identify effective, structural approaches to addressing antisemitism. Our Federations will continue to be a constructive partner.

The Jewish Federations of New Jersey remain committed to working collaboratively with the Legislature and the Governor's Office to combat antisemitism, strengthen public understanding, and ensure that all New Jerseyans can live free from hate and intimidation, as well as providing critical social services to the neediest New Jerseyans regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.

Susan Antman, CEO
Jewish Federation of Heart of NJ

Robin Freedman-Kramer, CEO
Jewish Federation of West-Central NJ

Meredith Dragon, CEO
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ

Jason Shames, CEO
Jewish Federation of Northern NJ

Jennifer Dubrow-Weiss, CEO
Jewish Federation of Southern NJ

Jewish Federations of New Jersey is comprised of five member Federations, representing over 600,000 Jews in New Jersey; Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, Jewish Federation in the Heart of NJ, Jewish Federation of Northern NJ, Jewish Federation of Southern NJ, and Jewish Federation of West-Central NJ. Together, they advocate for the safety, security, and provision of social services to communities in need throughout the state.