NEW YORK โ Americans For A Safe Israel, a longstanding pro-Israel advocacy organization, has welcomed the passage of legislation by the Tennessee General Assembly directing state agencies to use the term Judea and Samaria in place of the term commonly used in many government and media contexts.
The organization said the measure reflects what it described as historically accurate terminology and recognizes the Jewish peopleโs longstanding connection to the biblical heartland of Israel.
The bill, which now awaits the signature of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, would require Tennessee state agencies to adopt the term Judea and Samaria in official state materials, according to a statement issued by Americans For A Safe Israel.
Advocacy Group Praises Lawmakers
โWe applaud Tennesseeโs lawmakers for their leadership and commitment to historical truth,โ said Moshe Phillips, chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel, also known as AFSI.
โAt a time of increasing misinformation and the targeting of Israel, this bill sends a clear message about the important significance of recognizing the Jewish Peopleโs deep ties, since the times of the Bible, to the Land of Israel,โ Phillips said.
He added that the city of Hebron, located in Judea, remains central to Jewish historical memory.
โThe city of Hebron is in Judea and is the ancient resting place of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Jacob and Leah. This testifies to the Jewish heritage of this region,โ Phillips said.
Debate Over Terminology
The terms used to describe the territory captured by Israel from Jordan in the 1967 Six-Day War remain politically and diplomatically contested.
Many international institutions, governments and media outlets commonly refer to the area as the West Bank. Pro-Israel organizations and many Jewish historical advocates prefer the term Judea and Samaria, citing the names used in biblical, historical and early modern contexts.
The names Judea and Samaria correspond broadly to the southern and northern parts of the territory and have long-standing historical resonance in Jewish tradition.
Supporters of the Tennessee bill argue that official language should reflect Jewish historical ties and avoid terminology they believe can obscure those connections.
Critics of similar measures in other jurisdictions have argued that geographic naming carries political implications and may be seen as aligning state institutions with one side of a broader diplomatic dispute.
Growing U.S. State-Level Engagement
The Tennessee measure reflects a broader trend in which U.S. states have increasingly passed legislation relating to Israel, antisemitism, educational standards and commercial ties.
Some states have adopted laws addressing boycott campaigns targeting Israel. Others have enacted measures tied to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism.
Observers say such legislation often reflects growing activism at the state level on Middle East issues traditionally handled through federal foreign policy channels.
For pro-Israel advocates, state measures are viewed as practical tools to reinforce public education, counter delegitimization efforts and affirm Jewish historical narratives.
Symbolic Importance for Jewish Communities
For many Jewish and Zionist communities, language concerning Judea and Samaria is not viewed as merely semantic, but as a question of historical identity and recognition.
Jewish tradition identifies the region with some of the most significant sites in biblical history, including Hebron, Shiloh, Beit El and other locations central to Jewish memory and scripture.
Advocacy organizations say use of those names in public discourse helps maintain awareness of Jewish indigeneity in the Land of Israel.
Awaiting Governorโs Decision
The bill now proceeds to Governor Bill Lee for consideration. If signed into law, Tennessee would become one of the most prominent U.S. states to formally direct agencies to adopt the terminology in official state communications.
Americans For A Safe Israel said it hopes other legislatures will consider similar measures.
The organization described Tennesseeโs action as an example of what it called principled leadership at a time of heightened political polarization surrounding Israel and rising antisemitism in many Western societies.
