Rep. Bolinsky: The State of Antisemitism in America

Rep. Bolinsky: The State of Antisemitism in America

HARTFORD- State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-106) co-hosted and delivered brief opening remarks, along with Representative Matt Blumenthal, and Senator Matthew Lesser, at the American Jewish Committee’s ”AJC Day at the Capitol”.  After welcoming attendees, the hosts expressed gratitude to the AJC and area Jewish Federations of Connecticut for their advocacy, and for preparing their annual “State of Antisemitism in America” report for presentation to guests and legislators gathered at Connecticut’s Capitol for breakfast and the briefing. 

Rep. Bolinsky’s welcoming remarks began with a message of hope and understanding.  “As a member of the Jewish community, I understand the fear and anxiety reflected in this report, but I also remain hopeful that calmer heads can prevail. Conversations and reasonable idea exchange like today’s are so important and should not be confined to legislative briefings.  Parental guidance, education, awareness, and thoughtful leadership are all key to ensuring our communities remain safe, welcoming, and united against hate.  The new study finds 91% of American Jews say they felt less safe than they did just a few years ago - that’s not just a statistic, it’s a warning.  We all have a personal responsibility to stop hatred and bias in its tracks, regardless of whom it targets.  In government, setting policy that facilitates accountability, upholds community standards in social media, and addresses bullying are all worthy pursuits.  I also believe we must demand far greater civility from our elected leaders.  Trash-talking politicians have no place in civil society and lack the credibility to confront antisemitism and other forms of bias head-on to ensure that hate has no foothold here in Connecticut.”

At a time when antisemitic incidents are increasing nationally and impacting schools and communities, AJC’s findings from its landmark State of Antisemitism in America Report 2025 gives legislators a better understand the scope of the issue and opportunities for discussion.

Based on the State of Antisemitism in America 2025 Report released by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) in February 2026, antisemitism in the United States has continued to surge, with 2025 being described as one of the most violent years against American Jews in recent history. The report, based on surveys conducted in the fall of 2025, shows that antisemitism is now perceived as a normal, pervasive experience by a significant portion of the Jewish community.  Bolinsky concluded, “This kind of ‘new normal’ should not be one any of us accept.  In America’s 250th year, we should aspire to our forefathers ’One Nation Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All’.“