NJ Legislators, led by Assemblywoman Rosaura Bagolie (District 27 Essex-Passaic), Assemblyman Gary Schaer (District 36 Bergen-Passaic), and Michael Inganamort (District 24 Morris, Sussex, and Warren), cosponsored by two dozen legislators, including my Assemblywoman Collazos-Gill, want to push the third attempt at an antisemitism bill in NJ. Bill A3558 says in the synopsis: "Establishes State definition of anti-Semitism; creates a public awareness campaign, and appropriates $100,000."

What is problematic bill A3558? The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, which was adopted by many states and college campuses, has shown to be excessively punitive for those who dare criticize the state of Israel for its violence against the Palestinian people in Gaza and West Bank, and are advocating for a ceasefire, the exchange of hostages and a resolution that gives the Palestinians a state and the right of self-determination. IHRA's definition clearly conflates the criticism of the state of Israel with anti-Semitism, which infringes on our right to freedom of speech. IHRA definition was repeatedly opposed by ACLU, and Holocaust and Genocide Studies Israeli scholars such as Omer Bartov and Raz Segal, who signed instead the Jerusalem Definition of anti-Semitism as an alternative.

NJ is one of the most diverse states in the country. I love that so many people from different cultures and languages can live in harmony, and I want to promote continuing this. However, the IHRA definition of anti-Semitism is not the way to fight hate, but education and using academic settings that promote discussion without fear of persecution.