NEWARK, N.J. – This afternoon, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) hosted a virtual discussion with American Jewish Committee (AJC) New Jersey board members to discuss the rise of antisemitism nationwide. Following the event, Senator Booker said:
“We’re seeing a disturbing rise of antisemitism across our country. In less than a month, we’ve witnessed two horrifying violent antisemitic attacks, one that claimed the lives of two young staffers working at the Israeli embassy, including one American, as they were walking out of an event in Washington, D.C., and another that injured a dozen peaceful Jewish marchers in Boulder, Colorado. It’s moments like these when we must come together and reaffirm our commitment to eradicate hate and bigotry in all its forms. I’m humbled to have been joined by leaders of AJC New Jersey this afternoon to hear about their concerns, their vital work, and how we can continue to bolster our partnership to safeguard the wellbeing of Jewish people across New Jersey and our nation,” said Booker.
Convening the meeting on the heels of the murder of two young staffers working at the Israeli embassy, including one American, as they were walking out of a Jewish event, the horrifying attack against peaceful Jewish marchers in Boulder, Colorado, and against the backdrop of an increasing trend of antisemitism nationwide, Senator Booker and AJC New Jersey leadership members spoke candidly about the challenges facing the Jewish community. AJC board members asked the Senator about federal initiatives and legislation to support state and local efforts to curb antisemitism and outlined the issues specifically affecting Jewish New Jerseyans.
“We deeply appreciated Senator Booker once again spending time in dialogue with our American Jewish Committee's New Jersey leadership. After recent days that saw the shocking murders of two young Jewish leaders at an AJC event in Washington, D.C., and the horrifying attack on peaceful Jewish marchers in Boulder, CO, Sen. Booker's profound expressions of care, concern, and resolve were deeply appreciated,” said Rabbi David Levy, Regional Director AJC New Jersey.