New Jersey Assembly Bill AJR34

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, the bill will require the Governor of New Jersey to annually issue a proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe Tree of Life Remembrance Day with appropriate activities and programs. This observance serves to not only honor the victims of the shooting but also to raise awareness of issues surrounding anti-Semitism and violence against communities of faith. By institutionalizing this day, New Jersey acknowledges the broader implications of hate crimes and promotes reflection within its communities.

Summary

AJR34 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Legislature that designates October 27th of each year as 'Tree of Life Remembrance Day.' This resolution honors the memory of the 11 victims of a tragic mass shooting that occurred on October 27, 2018, at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The resolution aims to promote annual recognition and remembrance of this atrocity and the lives lost, fostering community solidarity against hate and violence.

Contention

The resolution reflects a significant step in recognizing the painful legacy of violence against marginalized communities. While the bill itself may not generate heavy contention, it does represent an acknowledgment of the need for greater awareness and reflection on anti-Semitism and similar forms of bias. The establishment of a remembrance day for such tragedies is often seen as a necessary measure to ensure that society learns from its past mistakes and to encourage ongoing discussions around intolerance and communal safety.