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Assembly Candidate Carolyn Rush (LD1-D) Calls for Assembly Members and Candidates to Reject A3558 Codifying of IHRA

The following statement was issued by NJ Assembly candidate Carolyn Rush (D) LD 1 on her Facebook page calling upon her fellow candidates and sitting Assembly members to reject A3558 IHRA codification that the Democratic Party leadership is trying to call legislature back from summer recess to force through – with a committee session Thursday July 24.

As a proud Democrat and candidate for the NJ General Assembly, I stand firmly against antisemitism in all its forms—but I also stand for the constitutional right to free speech.

by Carolyn Rush

That’s why I’m deeply concerned about A3558, a bill that, when paired with the IHRA definition of antisemitism, could seriously chill legitimate political discourse and advocacy—especially around the issue of Palestinian human rights.

The IHRA definition, while originally intended to combat real antisemitism, has been criticized—even by its own drafters—for being used to conflate criticism of the Israeli government with hatred of Jewish people.

🔍 Under A3558, public institutions—including colleges—could face pressure to punish students, faculty, or groups who engage in constitutionally protected speech critical of Israel, or who advocate for Palestinian rights.

Let’s be clear:

➡️ Criticizing a government is not hate speech.

➡️ Calling for justice and human rights is not antisemitism.

➡️ Support for free speech is not support for hate.

We can—and must—combat antisemitism without criminalizing dissent or curbing activism that challenges powerful institutions. Free societies must leave room for disagreement, especially in matters of foreign policy and global justice.

🤝 As Democrats, we must walk the line between standing up to bigotry and defending the First Amendment.

A3558 doesn’t do that—it crosses the line.

📢 I urge my fellow candidates and elected leaders to oppose A3558 and fight for solutions that are both effective and constitutional.

#NoToA3558#FreeSpeechMatters#AcademicFreedom#HumanRightsAreNotHate#DemocracyMeansDissent#NJAssembly2025