The history ofAntisemitism in New Jersey dates to the establishment of theProvince of New Jersey. Prior to the passage of the1968 Fair Housing Act, Jewish people were excluded from living in many white Christian neighborhoods throughout New Jersey due to the use of restrictive covenants and quotas. Between the 1920s and 1950s, quota systems were instituted at universities in New Jersey to limit the number of Jewish people, including at Rutgers University and Princeton University. During the 2010s and 2020s, New Jersey has seen an increase in reported incidents of antisemitic vandalism and violence.
The Province of New Jersey granted religious tolerance under law in 1665.[1]
In 1844, theConstitution of New Jersey abolished all religious tests for holding public office and voting.[1]
In 1956, theAnti-Defamation League issued a "call to action" to end ethnic and religious discrimination in real estate that excluded Jews as well as Catholics ofIrish andItalian descent from owning houses inwhite Protestant neighborhoods.[2]
In March, 1967, theAppellate Division of the New Jersey State Superior Court ruled that acountry club inWayne Township was violating the law by usingrestrictive covenants to exclude Jews and African-Americans.[3]
In 1924,Princeton University had an "under the table" Jewish quota that limited Jewish admission to around 3%.[4]
In October 1930, Jewish students called attention to anumerus clausus atRutgers University that limited the number of Jews. Only 33 Jewish students were admitted to the Rutgers freshman class of that year. The New Jersey branches of B’nai Brith, the Independent Order Brith Sholom, and the Order Sons of Zion, announced an investigation.[5][6]
In 2017 and 2018, there was acontroversy over the construction of aneruv inBergen County, when several municipalities opposed its construction. Supporters of the eruv alleged antisemitic discrimination and a lawsuits were settled in favor of the eruv association.[7]
In 2019, ashooting occurred at a kosher supermarket inJersey City. New Jersey authorities have described the attack as domestic terrorism motivated by antisemitism.[8]
In 2023, a state lawsuit againstJackson Township was settled alleging discrimination againstOrthodox Jews. The township was ordered to pay $575,000 for allegedly using local ordinances to keep out Orthodox Jewish residents.[9]