Overview

• Filed Sept. 29 in the District of New Jersey, the civil complaint alleges threats, intimidation and violent conduct targeting congregants at Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange during a Nov. 13, 2024 event.
• The suit names the New Jersey chapters of American Muslims for Palestine and the Party for Socialism and Liberation, along with several individuals including Altaf Sharif and Eric Kamens, citing tactics such as vuvuzelas used to drown out services and a chokehold during a clash.
• Justice Department officials say they are seeking broad injunctive relief barring interference with synagogue access statewide, as well as civil penalties and damages, with proposed fines exceeding $30,000 for a first violation and $50,000 for subsequent ones.
• The action is civil, but Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon said criminal charges remain possible under the FACE Act or other laws, and noted additional FACE Act investigations are ongoing.
• Local prosecutions tied to the same confrontation continue separately, with two pro-Israel counterprotesters previously charged by Essex County authorities with aggravated assault and related offenses.