New Jersey Committee Studied Antisemitism

The state advisory committee investigated rising incidents of antisemitism in New Jersey.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Judaism

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a bronze compass on an oak table, symbolizing a formal study and measured inquiry. — The New Jersey Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights is investigating the rise of antisemitism through a series of formal listening sessions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should universities limit offensive speech to combat discrimination on campus?

In January 2026, the New Jersey Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights began a study into antisemitism. The project followed a documented rise in hate incidents across the state and college campuses.

Why it matters

The committee initiated this formal inquiry to understand the underlying causes of rising antisemitism and to provide the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights with actionable policy recommendations.

The committee held seven listening sessions with experts and community leaders to gather evidence. These sessions followed a year that recorded 687 antisemitic incidents across the state.

The players

New Jersey Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

This state-level body is responsible for providing data and reports to the federal Commission on Civil Rights.

Robert P. George

He serves as the chair of the New Jersey Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

This is an independent, bipartisan federal agency charged with advising the government on civil rights issues.

The details

Commission members are drafting a report based on evidence gathered from seven listening sessions featuring experts, public witnesses, and religious leaders. The work aims to address trends in antisemitism observed following the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacres.

October 7, 2023: Hamas massacres occurred.
January 2026: The committee approved a motion to study antisemitism.
July 2026: A federal commission approved a separate report on campus antisemitism.
August 2026: Panelists discussed speech and legal protections.

Culture Shift

The committee's inquiry follows the pattern established by the 2026 federal commission report on campus antisemitism. This effort reflects a growing focus on addressing hate crimes through formal institutional analysis.

Residents may see new policy recommendations aimed at enhancing protections against discrimination in public and educational spaces. The final report will influence how local institutions address and report future incidents of hate.

The takeaway

The committee's ongoing research underscores the importance of data-driven responses to hate-based incidents in the state. Tracking these figures is a critical step for lawmakers when drafting future civil rights protections.