Overview
- The Justice Department opened a civil-rights investigation into the Nov. 19 demonstration, with Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon saying an inquiry is underway and reaffirming zero tolerance for obstruction at houses of worship.
- Outgoing Mayor Eric Adams made an unannounced visit to Park East Synagogue, declaring, “We don’t back down in the face of hate — we show up,” and standing with Rabbi Arthur Schneier and congregants.
- After criticism of his office’s initial statement referencing international law, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani issued a clearer denunciation, saying nothing can justify language calling for “death to” anyone and calling it unacceptable.
- About 200 activists tied to Pal-Awda NY/NJ rallied outside during a Nefesh B’Nefesh event, with recorded chants including “death to the IDF,” “globalize the intifada,” and a call to “make them scared.”
- City officials acknowledged security lapses, as First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro said the mayor was furious police let protesters reach the entrance and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch apologized, against NYPD data showing Jews were 62% of last month’s reported hate-crime victims.