In an editorial, two Democratic and two Republican Hudson County officials call on the New Jersey legislature to approve a bill defining anti-Semitism.
We, the undersigned, condemn anti-Semitism and urge the New Jersey Legislature to pass the bill defining it – A-3558.
This legislation, supported by leaders across New Jersey, aims to codify a clear and internationally recognized definition of anti-Semitism.
It does not create new legal penalties—hate speech, even when vile, remains protected under the First Amendment. But to confront bigotry, we must first name it. That’s why defining anti-Semitism is essential.
The definition adopted in this bill comes from the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
In the wake of October 7, 2023, this clarity is more important than ever. Since the Hamas massacre, we’ve seen calls for a second Holocaust, Nazi salutes outside New Jersey synagogues, and chants of “From the river to the sea” and “Globalize the intifada.”
These are not critiques of policy—they are calls for the destruction of the Jewish state and the erasure of Jewish identity. That is bigotry. That is anti-Semitism.
On the night of October 7, while civilians were still under attack, dozens drove through New Jersey towns waving flags of terrorist organizations and yelling “Death to Israel” and “F*** the Jews.”
That wasn’t criticism of Israel’s response—it hadn’t even begun. From the Colorado arsonist who murdered an American Jew by fire to the DC Holocaust Museum shooter who killed two innocents, these were not protests against policy.
They were hate crimes targeting Jews for simply being Jewish.
When we fail to name and confront anti-Semitism, we open the door to discrimination and violence. Jewish students across the U.S. have been harassed on college campuses just for displaying Jewish symbols or supporting Israel’s right to exist—all under the guise of “anti-Zionism.”
This is not what American values represent. No one should feel unsafe because of their race, faith, or national origin.
We call on the Legislature to pass this bill defining anti-Semitism. It sends a clear and vital message: calling for the destruction of the world’s only Jewish state—and denying Jewish people the right to live safely and freely—is not acceptable in New Jersey, or anywhere.
Signed,
Jerry Walker (D) – Hudson County commissioner (*the above statement is made in my capacity as a private citizen, and not on behalf of the Hudson County Board of Commissioners)
Jose Arango (R) – Hudson County GOP chair
Natalia Ioffe (D) – Jersey City Board of Education trustee (*the above statement is made in my capacity as a private citizen, and not on behalf of the school board)
Joshua Sotomayor Einstein (R) – Hudson County GOP vice chair for communications
The IHRA definition states nonJews can now suffer anti-Semitism, in case you didn’t notice. Herzl stated in his book ‘The Jewish State’ his propelling force was the misery of Jews, specific.
But understand the obvious; a university paid a $221M fine due to the humiliation of Jewish students? Most Zionists are Protestant many times over. This may give you insight into the shell game being.played.
“On the night of October 7, while civilians were still under attack, dozens drove through New Jersey towns waving flags of terrorist organizations and yelling “Death to Israel” and “F*** the Jews”
Is this documented anywhere, because I have to admit to missing it in the news. Despicable actions such as these should not go unreported or be ignored.
I have my suspicions as to which areas of NJ this could occur in, but would appreciate a confirmation.
Sounds like trump’s obviously false claim of Muslims dancing in the streets of JC on 9/11. It’s an emotional appeal to surmount thinking rationally. Too bad Palestinian children starving to death -documented- doesn’t qualify as an emotional appeal.
I agree with Billy Buggywhip’s first two paragraphs. While the writers say that the alleged profanity and worse uttered “ in several NJDC towns” directed towards Jews happened “ before Israel responded”, and as such, the writers condemn that alleged behavior. If it indeed happened, the so do I. However, it concerns me, that these four writers ( dollars to donuts Mr. Sotomayor wrote this) do not address the 800 pound gorilla here, the magnitude of viciousness Israel has exacted, and continues to exact as a pound of flesh or 50 eyes for one eye. The silence of sotomayor’s group on this inconvenient truth here is deafening. The Wisdom of Solomon in this matter, they sadly do not, or choose not to have. Where do you stand, Mr. Sotomayor, on the common practice of Israeli “ settlers” stealing or taking by force land that does not belong to them? I don’t think you care about Palestinians, or else you would have stood up for their rights and aspirations, too.