Recognizes Judea and Samaria as ancestral homeland of Jewish people.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Singer

New Jersey would require official use of Judea and Samaria for the region and reject the term West Bank in state communications.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

Summary of SR 106 (New Jersey, 222nd Legislature)

Purpose and intent

Recognizes Judea and Samaria as the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people.

Rejected terminology: formally rejects the term “West Bank” as a modern political construct.

Requires use of the terms “Judea” and “Samaria” in all official New Jersey state communications, documents, and references regarding those regions.

Frames the recognition as aligning with historical, biblical, and legal perspectives on the region.

Key provisions and changes

Establishes that the regions of Judea and Samaria are the historical, spiritual, and geographic core of the Land of Israel.

Cites numerous biblical events and figures (e.g., Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses/Tabernacle era, King David, Jerusalem) to establish a narrative of longstanding Jewish connection to the land.

Asserts that the term “West Bank” is an illegitimate political designation used during Jordan’s occupation (1948–1967) and during subsequent discourse.

Argues that international legal foundations (e.g., San Remo Resolution of 1920 and related Mandate/UN Charter provisions) support Jewish historical and legal rights to Judea and Samaria.

Claims strategic and security implications: asserts that Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria is essential for defense, with implications for the United States and regional stability.

Who/what is affected

State communications: all official New Jersey state communications, documents, and references relating to Judea and Samaria would be required to use the terms “Judea” and “Samaria.”

Terminology policy: the bill directs or encourages rejection of the term “West Bank” in official state contexts.

Public and legislative discourse: signals a formal stance by the New Jersey Senate on the naming and framing of the region, which may influence public statements, educational materials, and potentially related policy discussions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced: June 11, 2026, in the New Jersey Senate.

Sponsorship: Senator Robert W. Singer (District 30); co-sponsored by Senator Singer (explicitly listed as co-sponsor in text).

Referral: Referred to the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee.

No further amendments or floor actions are listed in the provided text; as introduced, the bill would proceed through committee process before potential floor consideration.

Context and potential impact

The bill is largely symbolic in nature, aiming to affirm a particular historical/biblical interpretation of the land and to influence official nomenclature.

If enacted, it would standardize the use of “Judea” and “Samaria” in state communications regarding the region and formally reject the designation “West Bank” in those contexts.

Potential political and diplomatic implications include signaling alignment with certain international/heritage narratives and influencing public education and cultural discussions within the state.

No appropriations or fiscal provisions are included in the text.