New Jersey Senate Bill SJR94

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/4/24
• Refer: 3/4/24
• Report Pass: 10/24/24
• Engrossed: 10/28/24
• Refer: 10/28/24

Caption

Designates October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey.

Impact

The passage of SJR94 would have a significant impact on state law by formally establishing an official day of remembrance within New Jersey. The resolution mandates that the Governor issue an annual proclamation, calling on public officials and citizens to observe this day with appropriate activities and programs. This acknowledgment plays a crucial role in recognizing not just the lives lost but also the broader context of hate-based violence, contributing to educational and community initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and respect.

Summary

Senate Joint Resolution No. 94, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, aims to designate October 27th of each year as 'Tree of Life Remembrance Day'. This commemorative day is intended to honor the victims of the tragic mass shooting that occurred at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 27, 2018, which resulted in the loss of eleven lives and injuries to six others. This resolution highlights the importance of collective remembrance and serves to increase awareness of the violence fueled by religious and ethnic animus.

Contention

While SJR94 is largely a symbolic resolution intended to honor the memory of the victims, it may also provoke discussions on the societal issues surrounding hate crimes and the need for increased protection for marginalized communities. Some may argue about the efficacy of such remembrance days in enacting legislative change, but proponents believe that honoring these victims serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight against intolerance and violence in society.