jewish tour sarajevo

Jewish Heritage Tour of Sarajevo

A tour exploring Sarajevo's Jewish history

On this tour, you will visit places of Jewish heritage in Sarajevo and learn about the history of Sephardic Jewish people in the city.

You will visit Baščaršija, the Aškenazi Synagogue and the second biggest Jewish cemetery in Europe. You will listen to old stories and intriguing legends as well as folk songs and you will learn what Haggadah is and why it’s important.

What's included

• Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle

What's not included

Accessibility.

• Accessible to pushchairs/prams
• Public transport links nearby
• Infants must sit on an adult's lap

Health & safety

• Suitable for all fitness levels

Languages spoken by guide

Additional information.

Please bring your ticket with you to the attraction.

Be aware that operators may cancel for unforeseen reasons.

You need to be 18 years or older to book or be accompanied by an adult.

Operated by Insider Ltd

Itinerary information

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Tickets and prices

• Destinations
• Tours in Sarajevo
• Bosnia-Herzegovina

Sarajevo Jewish Tour

Overview of the tour in Sarajevo

Join us for a fascinating tour to explore the rich history and culture of the Jewish community in Sarajevo. Discover how the Jews in the Ottoman Empire were treated with respect and enjoyed significant autonomy. Learn about the rights they had, including the freedom to buy property, build synagogues, and trade throughout the empire. By 1856, Jews were granted full equality under Ottoman law. One of the highlights of the tour is the 700-year-old Haggadah, an important Jewish text that survived three wars and was saved from the Nazis by a Muslim librarian. You'll hear the incredible story of how this ancient book came to be preserved and why it's still considered one of the most valuable items in the National Museum. Next, we'll visit The Old Jewish Temple, which now houses The Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This museum offers insight into the five centuries of Jewish history in Sarajevo. You'll also have the opportunity to see the big Ashkenazi Synagogue, the only synagogue in Sarajevo that still holds sermons today.

This activity includes:

• The National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Ashkenazi Synagogue
• knowledgeable tour guide

Meeting point

Gazi Husrev Begova 75

We are located on the crossroad of Gazi Husrev bey (Jewerly) street and Mula Mustafa Baseskija street. Address is Gazi Husrev Begova 75, 71 000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Things to note

Entrance fees are not included in the price. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Free Cancellation

Free Cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. Late cancellation or your non-arrival is not refundable.

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Jewish Tour

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Entry/Admission - Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Entry/Admission - Sarajevo
• Sarajevo Insider - City Tours and Excursions, Zelenih beretki 30, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina Zelenih beretki 30
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Jewish Cemetery Sarajevo

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Sarajevo Insider - City Tours and Excursions Zelenih beretki 30, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina Zelenih beretki 30 See address & details
• 1 Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Bosnian Cultural Center Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 3 Bascarsija Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 4 Ashkenazi Synagogue Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 5 Jewish Cemetery Sarajevo Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• ShereenSham 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Experience Haris was an excellent guide! He brought us around the city and is very knowledgeable on history and everything about Sarajevo. He even brought a file to show us pictures, maps and explained about the city. He is very accommodating and friendly. Me and my husband had a wonderful time. Haris showed us things to do, brought us to East meets West and explained about the architectures along the way. Also recommend us food and restaurants. He took us to the most amazing original baklava shop in the old town. Thank you Haris for making our tour memorable. Read more Written 20 April 2024
• Alexspirit 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina! We did two tours with Insider City Tours: Eat, pray, love with Hana. She was wonderful and very knowledgeable! We learned a lot about Sarajevo and the war. Then we did the day tour of Mostar and 4 cities in Herzegovina with Miralem. He was wonderful as well and we have an amazing time! I 'd definitely recommend them! Read more Written 12 April 2024
• Q9807YIlisad 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sarajevo city tour- more than worth it! Such an interesting and moving tour! I have never learned this much about a country and a city in 2 1/2 hours! I would truly recommend this tours as it is quite personal and even more informative! The tour guide was very kind, we were able to ask a lot of questions. It left the young people as well as the older ones completely satisfied. Read more Written 6 April 2024
• 376mayaa 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Deep underground in a hidden cold war bunker Our visit to Tito's nuclear bunker in Konjic was truly enlightening. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide Selma, my son and I delved deep into the history of the Cold War and the dissolution of Yugoslavia, all within the confines of this remarkable structure. Selma's expertise provided invaluable context, allowing us to appreciate the significance of the bunker in a broader historical narrative. The experience was educational, highlighting the complexities of political tensions during that era. Walking through the corridors and rooms, we were fascinated by the structure and planning that must have gone into it. We really liked the artworks that are held within the bunker -- some were excellent. Our time in the bunker was both sobering and enriching, leaving us with a profound sense of understanding and respect for the past. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of modern history. Read more Written 23 February 2024
• H9864JEkarenb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic tour, great guide! I booked this as a private tour for myself and my husband. Unfortunately my husband was ill and unable to take the tour, so I was by myself with the Tour guide. If your time is limited and you want to see the best the city has to offer, then this is the tour for you - it's also great value for money. Of particular note is the journey on the cable car to the top of the bob sled run and the stunning views of the city once the fog clears! I have some mobility issues and my husband would normally help me. My amazing guide stepped in to assist when I needed it and had endless patience with me. Huge call out to Bojan! His knowledge was impressive and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend him. Please be warned though, there is quite a lot of walking! Read more Written 5 February 2024
• O7249HLleilac 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic! Hvala so much Merjem for the amazing tour of Sarajevo! She was a wonderful guide who introduced me to this fantastic city. I had an amazing time. 🇧🇦 🤍 Read more Written 6 January 2024
• Lyndsey M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Rich history from a great tour guide with a rich understanding of the war. Highly recommend this tour. It was a wealth of historically information from a legitimate source that lived through the war. (Neriman) You also get a good all round tour of the city with information at each point. The Tunnel of Hope is an extraordinary piece of local history. I just can’t say enough good things about this tour. Read more Written 2 January 2024
• molina_baez1977 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful quick tour of Sarajevo The tour was great. Learned a lot about the city, country and current country’s status. I highly recommend this tour or a longer one. There is a lot to see and learn. 3 hours is not enough. The tour guide was hreat. She was professional, knowledable and kind. Read more Written 2 January 2024
• charlestT1738HT 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Powerful and Insightful Tour of Bosnia The war tours with Safet were an unforgettable experience that has reshaped my understanding of Bosnian history. As a knowledgeable guide, Safet offered his valuable insights and personal stories to illustrate the tragic yet compelling history of Bosnian society. I was very thankful for his time and consideration to answer any question I had while on the tour. I highly recommend taking a tour with Safet. Read more Written 15 December 2023
• 125eminat 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must do! An amazing experience! I enjoyed every moment of the tours I attended. I had Grand walking tour and Tunnel, all recommendations. Read more Written 12 December 2023
• Emir H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thank you Nermin So nice! Thank you Nermin for the Tour. They picked us up from the City and bring us back. Everything was awesome. Read more Written 29 November 2023
• browneof 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sarajevo walking tour Emina was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Sarajevo. She gave me valuable insights into the city in all its aspects. Read more Written 24 November 2023
• LTJP1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highlight! Really interesting tour with someone born and bred in Sarajevo; giving great insight into living here now and in the past. Stopping and discussing events over coffee in an old tavern really memorable experience! Read more Written 6 November 2023
• HanD993 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Very nice tour, plenty of sites with good explanations and lots of tips for further site-seeing Very nice tour, just the right length. Plenty of sites with good explanations and lots of tips for further site-seeing Read more Written 4 November 2023
• ajtgc2018 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles If you can only do one tour in Sarajevo then this is the one This was quite probably the best tour that we have ever been on anywhere. The combination of Nermin's incredibly high level of knowledge about all kinds of topics, coupled with his personal experiences of the conflict was unparalleled. We left the tour considerably more informed than when we started, but more importantly we left with a greater understanding of the human side of the war and the lessons that the rest of the world should have learned from it. Given the potential of the subject matter to be on the 'heavy' side, we also found it an entertaining and at times humorous experience. I cannot recommend this tour any more highly. Read more Written 26 October 2023

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• About this activity

Sarajevo Jewish Tour

• Free cancellation available
• Mobile voucher
• Instant confirmation
• Visit the Ashkenazim Synagogue
• Discover the Latin Bridge and Town Hall
• Explore the Jewish Quarter and Sephardim Synagogues

Activity location

• Sarajevo, Federacija Bosne i Hercegovine, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Meeting/Redemption Point

• Sarajevo Insider Tours & Excursions
• Wed, May 8 -
• Thu, May 9 $42
• Fri, May 10 $42
• Sat, May 11 -
• Sun, May 12 $42
• Mon, May 13 $42
• Tue, May 14 $42
• Wed, May 15 $42
• Thu, May 16 $42
• Fri, May 17 $42
• Sat, May 18 -
• Sun, May 19 $42
• Mon, May 20 $42
• Tue, May 21 $42
• Wed, May 22 $42
• Activity duration is 4 hours 4h 4h

What's included, what's not

• What's included What's included Entrance fee to the Jewish Museum of BiH
• What's included What's included Entrance to the Jewish Community Center
• What's included What's included Transportation
• What's excluded What's excluded Food and drinks

Know before you book

• Not allowed: Pets

What you can expect

The end of the 15th century in Europe was the end of a peaceful life for some people. After the fall of Granada in 1492, began the persecution of Jews from Spain and Portugal. Find out how in the 16th century the Sarajevans received new neighbours – the Sephardim Jews and what was the life like in the Sijavus Pasha’s Quarter. Discover what they used to do, what songs they sang and which food they used to prepare, as well as the fascinating Ladino language.

The tour will lead you through the legacy of the Jewish Community in Sarajevo, with so many stories about their life, happiness, suffering, persecution. Discover the magnificent Sarajevo Haggadah, its turbulent history, and what makes it a wonderful example of a cultural fusion.

Fascinating Sarajevo Jewish Tour

• Bottled water
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)
• Local guide
• Professional guide
• Transport by private vehicle
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan
• Entry/Admission - Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Entry/Admission - Ashkenazi Synagogue
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Meet Bosnia Tours - Sarajevo Tours, Days Out, Excursions and Activities, Gazi Husrev begova 75, at crossroad of, Mula Mustafe Bašeskije and, Sarajevo 71000, Bosnia and Herzegovina Our agency is fairly easy to find even without using a map. Follow the stream of the river Miljacka and next to the bridge Ćumurija, on the left side of the river, you will see a big GREEN-YELLOW building. The name of the building is Papagajka and our office is on the corner of the building.
• We are doing pick up of the guests who are staying in the 15 minutes of walking distance from our office.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Infants must sit on laps
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 35 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Ashkenazi Synagogue
• Sarajevo Meeting of Culture

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Meet Bosnia Tours - Sarajevo Tours, Days Out, Excursions and Activities Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
• 1 Jewish Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina Stop: 45 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Sarajevo Meeting of Culture Stop: 10 minutes See details
• 3 Ashkenazi Synagogue Stop: 30 minutes - Admission included See details
• 4 Jewish Cemetery Sarajevo Stop: 30 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• kathylE2518FY 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Scam This tour has not been available for over a year, yet they take bookings and your money. Luckily, they will return your money after you waste your time and money to call them internationally. Read more Written 25 September 2021
• andrewrteaches 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles I'm still thinking about Nikola and Sarajevo On our honeymoon, my wife and I joined Nikola’s Siege of Sarajevo/War Tunnel tour. It affected us so much that we came back for a second tour that afternoon, for Nikola's street art tour. A year later, I’m still asking the questions that Nikola and Sarajevo lit up in my mind. What is nationalism? What is the state? What is self-determination? What will it take to achieve a truly free society? I’d asked these questions before, but Sarajevo helped me see new colors. I don’t know if any other tour guide could have held these themes up to the light in the same way that Nikola did for me. It felt like every piece of history was personal to him, like he was unraveling a mystery--and I sensed that somehow I was involved in the mystery too, and that solving it would involve uncovering things that I had been searching for without realizing. That still feels true to me now that I’m back home. That’s why I keep thinking about Sarajevo and Nikola. Read more Written 30 July 2020
• MichaelP174 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Meme knows where it’s at Meme, as he is known in these parts, is a sick tour guide. I did the Sarajevo Siege tour, and the man has enough knowledge to write a library, delivered with stunning detail. The tour is (as he admits himself) delivered subjectively, but it is still hard to find bias in what he tells you. He also has a great sense of humour, a sunny disposition, and is generally a lovely guy. He even got us some mandarines from the market! From Cyprus with love xx Read more Written 15 March 2020
• SarahZorko 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Best Walking Tour Guide The Sarajevo Siege walking tour was the best we’ve ever experienced, by far. Almedin is very knowledgeable, nuanced, and sarcastic (in the best way, with humour). He gave us fantastic and detailed historical context as well as stories from his family and friends at the time of the siege. He was very unbiased. We can’t stress enough how much he knew the topic and how fun he managed to make this tour, despite the complexity and sadness of the situation. We really can’t recommend this tour enough. We also did the General Sarajevo Free Tour with him and it was also fantastic. Our overall experience of Sarajevo would not have been as great had we not taken his tours. Thank you Almedin! (We know how intense this sounds, but it is our honest opinion) Read more Written 13 March 2020
• borjalh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour with Tallest tour guide and Meme I did the Siege of Sarajevo tour with Meme. He is one of the best tour guides I have ever been with! Not only I learned from the history of Sarajevo and the war but also I enjoyed so much that it felt really short. I also appreciate Meme's own vision and his personal touch. I totally recommend this tour if you want to learn about Sarajevo and see the top spots. Read more Written 12 March 2020
• P9237RDmarcj 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The only way to see the real Sarajevo - and to get into the local way of life. I booked the sunset tour to make the most of a business trip to a city I'd never previously visited. Almedin Memović, the CEO of Tallest Tourguide Tours, personally walked me around his city. Both the booking experience and the meeting instructions were perfectly clear. Almedin is passionate about Sarajevo, his home and a city that everyone thinks that they know a bit about (the assassination that led to WW1, the Winter Olympics, the recent civil wars) but that is, actually, only a small part of the story. This small but fascinating melting-pot of a city has much to see and the sunset tour was perfect for me as I was on a tight programme. Almedin, who seems to know everyone in Sarajevo, takes you off the main touristy routes and shows you streets and workshops that could be in Marakech or Istanbul, as well as more baroque/classically European areas. Almedin is perfect at juding his tourists, and knows precisely the right bar/shop to go to for a rest (and all of the tourist routes). My highlights were the Jewish quarter, where Almedin regaled me with how the religious communities worked together to preserve ancient items that the Nazis were desperate to aquire, the simple, rather modest memorials to the fallen in the infamous siege (one memorial in particular, from 1992, showed, from the names of the victims, how indescriminate war is) and, left to the end, the site of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand. During our tour two things shone through: Almedin's astonishing level of knowledge (he never failed to answer my questions) and his passion for tour guiding. I have done a few of these walking tours, from Berlin to Lisbon and Marackech, and this was, easily, the best. I would also add that Sarajevo is a hidden gem - less publicised than other tourist spots (your Dubrovoniks and Venices, for example!) but a wonderful city with charming, welcoming hosts and stacks of stuff to see. And the Tallest Tourguide company is highly recommended to do help you see it... Read more Written 10 March 2020
• Albert P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour with Meme,the best guide ! We learned a lot about the site to the city of Sarajevo between 1992 and 1995. The guide did a spectacular job to tell us a version as objective as possible and also with a little personal view about life in times of war in the city. The tour passes through some of the most relevant points of that period and the 2 hours become really enjoyable thanks to the great attitude of Meme :) Read more Written 8 March 2020
• Erika P 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing and fully recommended (ENG) We had a tour with Meme on the 6th March 2020, in Sarajevo. The tour was focused on the war period and covered in detail the siege of the city. We booked through "FreeTour" page online and, as per the standard rules, these tours only take place when at least 4 people join. However, when we reached the office and Meme welcomed us, it was just me and my boyfriend. Meme immediately gave us the availability to make the tour even with just the two of us, so we had what we could call a "private" tour. It was simply outstanding: Meme was incredibly prepared to tell us everything about the war period and the siege. Not only he was born during the siege itself, but he studied the events a lot and gave us an overview of the siege which linked a neutral historical narration with his personal experience. He shared with us all his knowledge with a professional attitude but also with a friendly and touching approach, which made us feel part of the story of the city even if it was the first time we were visiting it. He also shared with us some memories of his childhood, of his family and of his story, which made us feel as we were friends, rather than two tourists with a guide. We loved the tour from the first minute to the last one and we are grateful to Mere for his outstanding ability to make us feel home. One of the best tours ever. FULLY RECOMMENDED. *** (ITA) Abbiamo fatto un tour con Meme il 6 Marzo 2020 a Sarajevo. Il tour era incentrato sulla guerra avvenuta a Sarajevo ed in particolare sull'assedio che la città ha subito tra il '92 e il '95. Abbiamo prenotato il tour tramite "FreeTour" e nonostante tali tour vengano svolti con un minimo di 4 partecipanti, Meme é stato molto disponibile a svolgere il tour per sole due persone. Abbiamo avuto la percezione in seguito divenuta sicurezza durante il tour che Meme fosse un ragazzo preparato, professionale e disponibile a condividere in maniera oggettiva i fatti avvenuti al tempo dell'assedio condividendo al contempo spaccati della sua vita privata e delle sue esperienze personali, essendo nato e cresciuto durante l'assedio stesso. Siamo davvero soddisfatti di aver preso parte a questo tour e raccomandiamo decisamente Meme come guida. Semplicemente FANTASTICO. Read more Written 8 March 2020
• Norbert M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent tour about the siege of Sarajevo The free tour was excellent, we really enjoyed it. It was 2 hours long and we walked about 4 km. The historic facts and stories were quite interesting and we learnt a lot about the Yugoslavian war. Highly recommended! Read more Written 20 February 2020
• wplesser 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sarajevo Mostar Very good tour. Excellent guide Damir. Very knowledgable, flexible and sympathetic. Happy to recommend. Read more Written 17 February 2020
• betha435 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous tour of Bosnia's beautiful countryside Outstanding all day tour from Sarajevo. It was the best day seeing sites in Travnik and Jajce. We experienced true Bosnian coffee and food as well as seeing absolutely beautiful waterfalls and water mills. Our guide made this tour very personal. We highly recommend this tour for a tour to experience Bosnia. Thank you ever so much. Read more Written 9 February 2020
• Gerwinpol 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic experience with the "siege of Sarajevo" tour Had an amazing experience with out tour guide Almedin Memovic. As a local he was really able to show us the complexity of the war, and the difficulties that the local population had to cope with. Through anecdotes and personal stories he was able to bring across information in an entertaining and informative way. I can definetly recommend booking your tour here :) Read more Written 20 January 2020
• Traveler21century 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun tour on New Year's Eve This was a really fun tour to take on our first night in Sarajevo, that happened to be New Year's Eve. Almedin Memovic ("Tallest Tour Guide") is a lot of fun, he knows very well the story of the shooting which started World War I. He also knows good places to hang out if you need a rest. He showed us the main sites in the Old City and told stories with passion, emphasizing the positive relationship between the Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities. Read more Written 10 January 2020
• Petwall 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting tour Interesting tour and knowledgeable guide that could give the background in a comprehensive way. Good to know a bit about the sad history to not have it repeated again. Read more Written 27 November 2019
• kmddd 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Very good tour I went on the 10:00 Sarajevo walking tour. We covered most of Stari Grad including major historical landmarks, the market, and a cathedrals and mosques. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and included a lot of personal anecdotes from his life having grown up in Sarajevo. Highly recommend! Read more Written 12 November 2019

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Release: house overwhelmingly passes gottheimer-led bipartisan legislation standing up to antisemitic hate on campuses, requires the department of education to use widely-supported ihra definition of antisemitism in title vi investigations. builds on gottheimer’s commitment to protect students and stand up to hate in all forms.

Above: Gottheimer on the House floor.

WASHINGTON, DC —  Today, Wednesday, May 1, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Mike Lawler’s (NY-17) bipartisan legislation — the  Antisemitism Awareness Act  — overwhelmingly passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation, which is supported by thirty of the country’s leading Jewish groups, requires the Department of Education to use the widely-supported International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism in Title VI discrimination investigations. The IHRA definition has been used by the U.S. State Department over the last three administrations. By codifying this definition into law, Jewish students will be more protected from antisemitic discrimination, harassment, and threats. This bill will give investigators at the Department of Education a clear framework and the proper tools for  identifying and evaluating antisemitism, helping resolve some of the 137 active Title VI investigations and hold harassers accountable. The bill passed the House by a vote of 320-91.

Video of Gottheimer’s remarks on the House floor can be found  here .

“We cannot stand idly by as protesters call for the death of Jews on college campuses and across the country,”  said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) . “When I spoke at Columbia last week, I told administrators that we need deeds, not words to protect Jewish students. This bill is a critical step to take the action we so desperately need to stand against hate.”

“What is happening at Columbia, at Yale, at UCLA, and so many other schools, is reprehensible and alarming,”  said Congressman Lawler (NY-17).  “When people engage in harassment or bullying of Jewish individuals where they justify the killing of Jews or use blood libel or hold Jews collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government – that is antisemitic. It’s unfortunate that needs to be clarified, but that’s why this bill is necessary.”

Gottheimer’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bipartisan bill, the Antisemitism Awareness Act, to ensure that we’re standing up to the Jew hate that’s spreading like wildfire on campuses across our country. I’m proud to lead this legislation with my fellow Problem Solvers Caucus member, Congressman Lawler.

As we are voting, in real time, our country’s universities are experiencing a tidal wave of antisemitism. Protesters have targeted Jewish students, haranguing them with awful Jew-hating insults and cheering on Hamas — a barbaric foreign terrorist organization that murdered Americans on October 7 and still holds five living Americans hostage, including my constituent, Edan Alexander.

I saw these protests up-close and personal at Columbia earlier this month. I’ve heard the sickening comments, comparing Zionists to Nazis, promising a redux of October 7 “a thousand times over,” and calling for resistance “by any means necessary” and “intifada revolution.” Intifada is used to call for violent uprising against Israel. These protests embolden Hamas, America’s enemy. In fact, they’ve put out a statement lauding protesters as “the leaders of the future.”

Let me clear up any confusion: this bill protects the First Amendment. It allows criticism of Israel. It doesn’t allow calls for the destruction or elimination of the Jewish state. Even more, our universities have a Title VI obligation to stamp out harassment on the basis of race, color, or national origin.

Colleagues, we cannot stand idly by as protesters call for the deaths of Jews on college campuses and across the country. 

This bill will require the Department of Education to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance or IHRA definition of antisemitism when carrying out Title VI investigations. IHRA’s antisemitism definition is the most widely recognized in the world, used by 36 states. It condemns traditional hatred and the ugly, modern antisemitism that we’re seeing on campuses.

There is no excuse to vote against this bill. When it was first introduced in 2018, 50 Democrats and Republicans co-sponsored it, including members still in this body.

Right now, the Department of Education has 137 active Title VI investigations, some of which have been open for years. The bill will give investigators a clear framework to evaluate antisemitism and finally hold harassers accountable. 

Don’t just take my word for it. Thirty of our nation’s leading Jewish groups back this bill. Under the last three administrations, the State Department has used the IHRA definition to monitor antisemitism worldwide. This bill takes a commonsense step to formalize the IHRA definition for our education system.

When I spoke at Columbia last week, I told administrators that we need deeds, not words to protect Jewish students. Colleagues, I’m making the same ask of you. This bill is a critical step we can take to stand against hate. I hope my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will join me in supporting this legislation.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back.

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Release: gottheimer-led legislation passes to reauthorize key firefighter grant programs, keep communities safe, lower taxes.

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) helped pass a bipartisan reauthorization of FEMA’s Assistance for Firefighter Grants (AFG) and Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants program for five years, along with a reauthorization of the United States Fire Administration. These grant programs are critical to hiring, […]

RELEASE: Gottheimer, Steel Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Create an October 7th Remembrance Curriculum

WASHINGTON, DC —  Today, May 7, 2024, U.S. Representatives Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Michelle Steel (CA-45) introduced bipartisan legislation, the October 7th Remembrance Education Act, that instructs the United States Memorial Holocaust Museum to build a curriculum for students, memorializing the October 7th attack on Israel and the antisemitism that followed the attack on social […]

RELEASE: As Part of Senior Security Strategy, Gottheimer Announces New Action to Combat Senior Scams on Social Media and More

Above: Gottheimer announces new action against senior scams as part of Senior Security Strategy. FAIR LAWN, NJ — Today, May 6, 2024, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) visited Fair Lawn Senior Center to announce new action against senior scammers as part of his Senior Security Strategy, specifically targeting fraudsters on social media. According to the FBI’s 2023 Elder […]