No. 26
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
221st LEGISLATURE
PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2024 SESSION
Sponsored by:
Assemblyman STERLEY S. STANLEY
District 18 (Middlesex)
Assemblyman GARY S. SCHAER
District 36 (Bergen and Passaic)
Assemblyman ROBERT J. KARABINCHAK
District 18 (Middlesex)
Co-Sponsored by:
Assemblymen Freiman, Tully and Assemblywoman Swain
SYNOPSIS
Designates October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.
A Joint Resolution designating October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey.
Whereas, Tree of Life Synagogue is a synagogue in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of eastern Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania's second largest city; and
Whereas, On October 27, 2018, a mass shooting fueled by religious and ethnic animus towards Jewish people occurred at Tree of Life Synagogue; and
Whereas, The mass shooting unfolded during morning services and a joyous celebration; and
Whereas, The senseless act of violence resulted in the loss of eleven innocent lives and injury to six others; and
Whereas, The tragedy and loss of life have shocked and saddened Americans around the country; and
Whereas, Houses of worship are places of community, solace, and reflection, where no person should feel fear; and
Whereas, The people of New Jersey share the grief of the families and friends of those who were injured or killed; and
Whereas, It is fitting and proper to designate October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" so that we recognize the victims and honor their memories; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. October 27th of each year is designated as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in the State of New Jersey.
b. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe the day with appropriate activities and programs.
2. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
On October 27, 2018, a mass shooting fueled by religious and ethnic animus towards Jewish people occurred at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The senseless act of violence resulted in the loss of eleven innocent lives and injury to six others. The people of New Jersey share the grief of the families and friends of those who were injured or killed, and the designation of October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" would allow New Jersey residents to annually recognize the victims of that mass shooting and honor their memories.