Engaging Conversations: Gottheimer Connects with Rutgers Students at Hillel and Chabad to Tackle Campus Antisemitism

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — On April 29, 2025, Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Rutgers University Hillel and Chabad House. He spoke with students about the concerning growth of antisemitism on college campuses. Rutgers has one of the largest Jewish student bodies in the U.S., with over 6,400 undergraduates.

“With rising hate and antisemitism, it’s crucial to stay united as a community,” Gottheimer stated. He emphasized that no student should face discrimination due to their identity. “An attack on the Jewish community here is an attack on everyone, no matter their background or faith. I will tirelessly fight against antisemitism on this campus and throughout our state.”

His visit coincided with a troubling report from the ADL’s 2025 Campus Report Card, which awarded Rutgers a grade of D for responses to antisemitism. The report revealed nearly 300 instances of antisemitic acts at Rutgers from 2023 to 2024. Additionally, the ADL’s 2024 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents found that last year was the worst on record for antisemitic events, with New Jersey ranking third in incidents nationwide.

In Congress, Gottheimer is actively working to combat this issue. He is leading the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act, which aims to align federal anti-discrimination laws with the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. He also introduced the bipartisan HEAL Act to enhance Holocaust education in schools across the country.

Joining Gottheimer were Rabbi Esther Reed and Lisa Glass from Rutgers Hillel, Rabbi Mendy Carlebach from Chabad of Central New Jersey, and various students who shared their experiences and concerns.

Experts agree on the urgency of addressing this issue; Dr. Deborah Lipstadt, a prominent historian on antisemitism, noted that educational institutions play a key role in shaping attitudes. “Universities must be safe havens for all students. They set the tone for societal norms,” she stressed. This underscores the ongoing need for dialogue and action at all levels.

As discussions around antisemitism grow in intensity, it’s clear that efforts from leaders like Gottheimer are crucial. The challenge is significant, but so is the commitment to protecting students’ rights and promoting inclusive education.

Source link