By David-Seth Kirshner, For The Trentonian
New Jersey came so close to doing the right thing.
Following years of hearings, testimony, and momentum, the state legislature was on the verge of adopting A3558, a bipartisan bill that would recognize the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism. The need was clear, and nearly 75 percent of the Assembly were cosponsors. Then, at the last moment, the vote was cancelled because lawmakers were more concerned with political considerations than Jewish safety.
That decision left New Jersey’s Jewish community in an unacceptable position. It signaled that even when a serious public safety measure advances through the legislative process, Jewish protections can still be ignored.
Jewish security cannot wait for political expediency. Across New Jersey, Jewish students continue to face harassment in schools and on college campuses. Synagogues and Jewish institutions remain under constant security strain. Parents worry about whether their kids are safe leaving their homes or schools while wearing any clothing or jewelry that would identify them as Jewish. This is daily life here in New Jersey.
The IHRA definition exists because antisemitism has evolved. It recognizes classic Jew-hatred, as well as modern forms that disguise themselves as political activism, including conspiracy theories, collective blame, and the denial of self-determination when applied uniquely to Jews. It does not criminalize speech or silence criticism of Israel. It simply provides clarity and consistency so that institutions can identify antisemitism when it occurs and respond appropriately.
Thirty-seven states and countless governments and institutions already use IHRA. New Jersey lawmakers understood its value but did not act. As the state with one of the highest populations of Jewish residents, it is incumbent that our elected officials represent their constituents and address our concerns.
With the legislature’s failure to vote, the responsibility now shifts. Governor Mikie Sherrill has both the authority and the obligation to act. She should immediately issue an executive order adopting the IHRA definition for use across state agencies.
This would not bypass the legislature or undermine the democratic process. It would protect Jewish residents while the General Assembly completes the work it left unfinished.
Every day that passes without clear standards leaves schools unsure how to respond, agencies uncertain how to assess incidents, and Jewish communities feeling exposed. Such ambiguity benefits only those who harass, intimidate, and threaten.
This is why more than 100 New Jersey rabbis spanning our state’s geographic, political, and ideological divides signed a letter demanding that our elected officials pass this bill. These signatories and their communities know that Jewish safety is not negotiable or partisan. It is not something that can be deferred to avoid discomfort or political inconvenience.
They also know that delay sends a message, whether intended or not. It tells Jewish families that their concerns are not important, and it tells extremists that pressure works.
An executive order adopting IHRA would send a different message. It would say that New Jersey recognizes antisemitism as it exists today, not only as it existed decades ago. It would affirm that Jewish residents are entitled to the same clarity and protection afforded to every other community facing bias and hate. It would demonstrate leadership at a moment when leadership is urgently needed.
The legislature should return to this issue and pass the bill it nearly enacted. But until that happens, the state cannot leave its Jewish residents in limbo.
History teaches us that antisemitism flourishes in moments of hesitation. It grows when leaders delay and institutions equivocate. New Jersey has a choice: it can wait or it can act.
Governor Sherrill is already on record stating “I’ve supported the IHRA definition in the U.S. House, and would support the current state Senate bill to combat the alarming rise of antisemitism in New Jersey.”
Now she must act.
Jewish safety cannot blow in the winds of political timing. It depends on moral clarity and decisive leadership. Governor Sherrill has the opportunity to provide both, right now.
David-Seth Kirshner is the senior rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in Closter. He is the past President of the NJ Board of Rabbis and was appointed to the New Jersey/Israel Commission by Governors Christie and Murphy.