Hate Has A Definition, and New Jersey Must Name It
Anti-Semitism, and especially antisemitic hate crimes, have reached unprecedented levels since October 7 th 2023. According to data released by the FBI earlier this month, antisemitic hate crimes in recent years have broken all previous statistical records. In 2024, even as the number of hate crimes overall actually decreased in the US, crimes committed against Jews increased by 5.8 percent, the largest total recorded in over 30 years. We are 2% of the US population, but subject to 69% of all religious based hate crimes. The problem is real. And law enforcement needs tools and resources, including a working definition of exactly what antisemitism is. In this climate, clarity matters. Definitions matter. And leadership matters. Three weeks ago, Jason Shames, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey, testified before the State and Local Government Committee of the NJ State Assembly in support of Bill A3558. This legislation would formally adopt the International...