First-of-its-kind index says New Jersey is “progressing” when it comes to combating hate directed at the Jewish community
New York, NY, August 8, 2025 — ADL (the Anti-Defamation League) finds New Jersey is making progress on its legislative efforts aimed at fighting the alarming surge in antisemitic incidents in the United States. Released today, the Jewish Policy Index (JPI) evaluates states based on legislative efforts to combat, educate and protect Jewish communities against antisemitism. The report found that New Jersey could take more action with regard to passing legislation that supports the Jewish community and combats antisemitism.
“New Jersey, the state with the third highest number of antisemitic incidents and one of the largest Jewish populations in the country, has made progress enacting policies that are key in the fight against antisemitism,” said Scott Richman, ADL New York/New Jersey Regional Director. “Yet there is more work to be done to ensure its laws protect Jewish communities, including codifying IHRA into state law to ensure clarity in identifying and responding to antisemitic incidents, as well as establishing a comprehensive state strategy to address antisemitism. As New Jersey looks to its legislative calendar and next governor, we look forward to collaborating on these recommendations which will place New Jersey in the leading category – where it belongs.”
ADL has previously documented a staggering increase in antisemitic incidents in the U.S., with a 344 percent increase over the last five years. The JPI responds to this crisis by evaluating all 50 states based on 22 criteria, grouped into three key categories: Prioritize Fighting Antisemitism; Educate About the Jewish Experience; and Protect Jewish Communities.
In the JPI, ADL researchers rated each state with an alignment score and a category for its performance:
- Nine states were designated Leading States, showing high alignment with ADL’s recommended policies to combat antisemitism.
- 29 states, including New Jersey, were classified as Progressing States, showing alignment with some key pieces of the policy agenda and demonstrating a clear path for future action.
- 12 states were categorized as Limited Action States, showing little systematic effort to address antisemitism through policy.
A product of ADL’s Ratings & Assessments Institute (RAI), the Index measures how state laws align with strategies to combat antisemitism and encourages low-performing states to strengthen protections.
Crucially, the JPI empowers residents in every state to take action. They can use it to identify where their state falls short, understand the specific steps needed for improvement, and advocate for stronger protections by engaging lawmakers and their communities.
“ADL has long been calling for a whole-of-government approach to fighting antisemitism, and the Jewish Policy Index fills a critical gap by providing a clear roadmap for states to support their Jewish communities,” said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director. “With antisemitic incidents at record highs nationwide, we need more than rhetoric — we need real, measurable policy action. This tool offers us a comprehensive picture of where states are and what steps they can take to do better. We urge state lawmakers to take swift and decisive action to enact strong policies and laws that protect their Jewish communities.”
The JPI methodology incorporates expert input, secondary legal research, and subject-matter consultation to ensure fairness and rigor. While the JPI measures the presence of legislation and initiatives, it does not necessarily reflect ADL’s endorsement of a law’s specific language or implementation.
This effort is designed to empower residents in every state to act, by identifying where their state falls short, understanding the specific steps needed for improvement, and advocating for stronger protections by engaging lawmakers and their communities. It also equips policymakers, educators, advocates, and community leaders to:
- Identify policy gaps and areas for improvement
- Adopt best practices from leading states and advocate for change
- Track progress and promote accountability over time
“The Jewish Policy Index is both a roadmap and a reality check,” said Danny Barefoot, Senior Director of ADL’s Ratings and Assessments Institute. “Too many states are still falling short when it comes to protecting their Jewish communities. This isn’t just a ranking — it’s a tool for change. We built the Index to push policy forward, equip advocates with data, and hold lawmakers accountable. Fighting antisemitism requires more than outrage — it demands action, and that’s exactly what this Index is designed to drive.”
While the Index measures the presence of legislation and initiatives, it does not necessarily reflect ADL’s endorsement of a law’s specific language or implementation, nor does it assess the overall experience of Jewish residents in any state.
The interactive platform allows users to compare states’ policies, filter by criteria, and explore category-level performance.
ADL is the leading anti-hate organization in the world. Founded in 1913, its timeless mission is “to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.” Today, ADL continues to fight all forms of antisemitism and bias, using innovation and partnerships to drive impact. A global leader in combating antisemitism, countering extremism and battling bigotry wherever and whenever it happens, ADL works to protect democracy and ensure a just and inclusive society for all. More at www.adl.org.
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