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Friend,
Protecting our freedoms of speech and protest have never
been more important. This month has been a sobering reminder of
that.
Amidst the challenges and heartbreak, we’re celebrating the defeat
of two laws that would suppress free speech in the false name of
Jewish safety by codifying the IHRA definition of antisemitism.
(Need
a refresher on IHRA? Watch our explainer video.)
First, in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani rescinded every order
that former mayor Eric Adams issued after his indictment on federal
corruption charges, including revoking the IHRA definition of
antisemitism as a codified legal definition.
Second, in neighboring New Jersey, Bend the Arc leaders helped stop
NJ bill A3558, another dangerous attempt to codify IHRA into law. Read
how we won this New Jersey IHRA fight on our blog
here.
There are better ways to fight antisemitism, including a
new bill that was introduced right after the horrific attack at Bondi
Beach. It’s called the Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act
(ARPA).
As I shared in my new Times of Israel piece Finally,
A Bill That Will Actually Fight Antisemitism:
"We’re starting the new year with an important new tool
in our kit: a proactive, forward-looking plan that will help fight
antisemitism — and all forms of bigotry. ARPA actually takes
meaningful steps to fight for Jewish safety and the safety of our
democracy."
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