In the Wake of Antisemitic Terrorist Attack in DC, Gottheimer Urges Competitors to Join Him in Fighting Hate

Gottheimer Reiterates Pledge to Codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s Definition of Antisemitism in New Jersey as Governor

HACKENSACK, NJ — Today, Congressman Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat running for New Jersey Governor, called on every candidate running for Governor to join his pledge to sign a bipartisan bill, sponsored by Assemblyman Gary Schaer and supported by more than 70% of the State Assembly, that would codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s (IHRA) widely-adopted definition of antisemitism in New Jersey. 

Gottheimer has led efforts to fight antisemitism across the country, including by passing the Antisemitism Awareness Act in the House of Representatives last year, which would codify the IHRA definition nationally. IHRA’s antisemitism definition is widely recognized around the world and has been adopted by 45 countries and 37 U.S. states. 

In the wake of last night’s attack on the Jewish community, Gottheimer also called on the New Jersey State Legislature and Governor Phil Murphy to quickly act to combat antisemitism and keep Jewish communities in New Jersey safe.

“I’m heartbroken by the tragic act of violence that took the lives of two young Israeli Embassy staffers in Washington, D.C. last night,” said Gottheimer, who is running to be Jersey’s first Jewish Governor. “My prayers are with the victims, their loved ones, and the entire Israeli and Jewish community mourning this week. While the investigation continues, one thing is undeniable: antisemitism is fueling violence in this country, and it’s getting worse. Here in Jersey, we feel the effects of hate firsthand in our communities and synagogues. New Jersey had the third highest amount of antisemitic incidents last year, according to the ADL. 

“No one should have to live in fear simply for being Jewish. We must call out antisemitism wherever it appears and hold those responsible for spreading hate and violence accountable to the fullest extent of the law. As Governor, I’ll immediately sign New Jersey’s IHRA bill into law, and I’ll push to dismantle antisemitism and hate in any form whenever it rears its ugly head.”

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