Yesterday evening, after more than eight hours of passionate and often emotional testimony, the New Jersey Assembly’s State and Local Government Committee unanimously advanced a bill to formally define antisemitism in the state.
Back row: Ben Hoffer, Rob Schwartz, Maxine Schwartz, Livingston Mayor Ed Meinhardt, Brett Tanzman
Front row: Pentecostal Bishop Rayman Wyatt, Hindu Leader Fal Pandya, Latter-Day Saint Bill Ludlam
Not shown: Jeff Grayzel, Josh Katz, Susie Bruch, Howard, Bruch, Jill Adelman, and others.
The legislation, which seeks to adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into state law, is spearheaded by Assemblyman Gary Schaer and cosponsored by Greater MetroWest’s own Assemblymembers Rosy Bagolie and Michael Inganamort. The IHRA definition has been endorsed by 37 U.S. states and more than 1,200 organizations, municipalities, and universities worldwide.
Among the 70 cosponsors is Assemblyman Rev. Reginald Atkins, whose heartfelt testimony about the urgent need for the bill earned resounding applause.
The hearing drew such an overwhelming crowd that five rooms in the Statehouse were needed to accommodate the public. More than 250 individuals testified, many speaking powerfully about the alarming rise in antisemitism and the critical need for a clear, legal definition.
Representing Greater MetroWest NJ were JCRC Chair Ben Hoffer, UJA Annual Campaign Chair Brett Tanzman, JCRC Steering Committee members Maxine Schwartz and Jill Adelman, Rob Schwartz, Livingston Mayor Ed Meinhardt, and Susie and Howard Bruch. JCRC Steering Committee Members Jeff Grayzel and Joshua Katz delivered compelling testimony in favor of the legislation.
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ professionals Rebekah Adelson and Ilyse Shainbrown offered expert insights on the disturbing trends of antisemitism across college campuses and public schools in the Greater MetroWest region.
Members of Greater MetroWest’s Interfaith Leaders Against Hate and Antisemitism also played a visible and meaningful role, with several clergy seated prominently in the front row and delivering moving remarks in solidarity with the Jewish community.