Overview
- In her State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed banning demonstrations within 25 feet of the property line at synagogues, churches, mosques and temples to protect congregants from harassment.
- She cited a protest in Kew Gardens Hills last week featuring pro-Hamas chants, following a November demonstration at Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue where protesters shouted “death to the IDF.”
- NYPD figures for 2025 show 330 antisemitic incidents out of 576 suspected hate crimes, representing 57% of reported hate crimes in the city.
- Jewish organizations including Agudath Israel of America and the Anti-Defamation League praised the plan and voiced support for advancing “safe worship zone” laws.
- Lawmakers and civil-liberties advocates are preparing to debate how to balance security at religious sites with free-speech rights as the proposal advances.