In a moment defined by grief and state violence, we know that expanding state power in the name of “safety” doesn’t protect communities, it puts them at risk. That is why we are proud and relieved to share that we stopped New Jersey bill A3558 — a dangerous bill that would have suppressed free speech in the false name of Jewish safety.
While framed as a bill that would “fight antisemitism,” A3558 muddied the meaning of antisemitism and would have expanded the state’s power to police speech. By conflating critique of the policies of the Israeli government with antisemitism, this bill would have targeted the voices that speak truth to power, advancing an authoritarian playbook that aims to squash dissent by using fear and scapegoating as a political tool. Simultaneously, this definition confuses what antisemitism is and isn't, thereby making it harder to fight.
We organized across difference with partners from Jewish, Muslim, Palestinian, and allied communities, with organizations like ACLU-NJ, Working Families NJ, Emgage, CAIR, American Muslims for Palestine, and more, and showed that Jewish safety is inseparable from the safety and freedom of all communities. The result of our organizing is clear: the bill was never brought to the floor, and it will not pass this session.
As part of a massive, multiracial coalition, we:
📝 Circulated a petition saying that NJ Jews demand free speech
☎️ Made nearly 6,000 calls through our Jews for Free Speech phonebanks to constituents informing them about this bill and asking them to speak out
📣 Drove several hundred constituent emails and calls to legislators
🗣️ Submitted a sign-on letter from Jewish organizations to shatter the false narrative that all Jews support this bill
🪧 Showed up to lobby visits, press conferences, and rallies
Then, after the horrific attack at Bondi Beach in Australia, some lawmakers attempted to exploit Jewish grief to push AB3558 forward. We knew then, as we know now, that restricting free speech does not stop antisemitism, and it would not have prevented that act of violence. So we escalated.
On the final day of Hanukkah, we showed up at the Statehouse to say clearly that First Amendment attacks do not keep Jews safe. Standing together like the candles of the menorah, we spoke directly with lawmakers and made our values visible.
This is a win, and it’s also a warning. We expect this bill to return next session, just as similar bills continue to advance across the country. That’s why we need to celebrate this win and take note that in this moment of growing authoritarianism, winning is possible when we organize together across difference with courage, clarity, and solidarity.
Better together,
Jillian Lipman
Antisemitism Campaign Manager, Bend the Arc
