Overview
- Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said a Justice Department investigation is underway and cited zero tolerance for intimidation or obstruction near religious institutions.
- Dhillon noted that blocking entry to a house of worship is a federal crime as the Civil Rights Division gathers information on the Manhattan incident.
- Reports describe a pro-Palestinian crowd surrounding the synagogue, with claims of blocked entry and chants including “Death to the IDF” and “Globalize the Intifada,” along with other antisemitic remarks.
- The confrontation occurred during a legal informational event organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh at Park East Synagogue, led by Rabbi Arthur Schneier.
- New York City Mayor Eric Adams condemned the protesters’ actions, while mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s office discouraged the rhetoric but criticized the event as tied to settlement activity beyond the Green Line.