Tell New Jersey to Protect Free Speech

This Action Alert is for residents of New Jersey.

The New Jersey Assembly is considering voting on A3558, a bill that would codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into state law.

That might sound innocuous. Unfortunately, it’s dangerous. It could fuel the weaponization of antisemitism against free speech.

While we appreciate the goal of fighting antisemitism, this legislation would do the opposite. By enshrining a vague and politicized definition into law, A3558 risks chilling free speech, punishing legitimate criticism of Israeli government policy, and fueling the dangerous trend of using false claims of antisemitism as a tool to silence dissent.

Even Kenneth Stern, the lead drafter of the IHRA definition, has warned against its codification and its potential weaponization.

And we’ve already seen this weaponization play out. The federal government has abused the IHRA definition to detain and deport peaceful protesters under the guise of combating antisemitism. We cannot allow New Jersey to reinforce these attacks on our democracy.

Rather than codifying a single, flawed definition, we need real, comprehensive approaches to combating antisemitism that strengthen democracy, protect free expression, and keep all communities safe.

Take action now: Tell your Assembly Member: Vote NO on A3558.

Photo: Narih Lee, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons