(JEWISH GROUP) Mamdani-allied Jewish groups campaign against synagogue buffer zones

[Behind the Aegis]

Far-left Jewish groups in New York City came out on Monday against legislation meant to create protective buffer zones around synagogues in response to recent protests, complicating a fraught issue for the city government and Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin introduced legislation to protect houses of worship last month, part of her broader plan to combat antisemitism in the city, where Jews are targeted in hate crimes far more than any other group.

The bill proposes a 100-foot (some 30 meters), police-enforced buffer zone to prevent “harassment” and “intimidation” around sensitive sites such as synagogues, mosques, churches, and schools. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a separate statewide measure that would mandate a 25-foot (7.6 meters) protective zone.

Anti-Zionist protesters in New York City, January 8, 2026. (Luke Tress/Times of Israel)
NEW YORK — Far-left Jewish groups in New York City came out on Monday against legislation meant to create protective buffer zones around synagogues in response to recent protests, complicating a fraught issue for the city government and Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin introduced legislation to protect houses of worship last month, part of her broader plan to combat antisemitism in the city, where Jews are targeted in hate crimes far more than any other group.

The bill proposes a 100-foot (some 30 meters), police-enforced buffer zone to prevent “harassment” and “intimidation” around sensitive sites such as synagogues, mosques, churches, and schools. New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a separate statewide measure that would mandate a 25-foot (7.6 meters) protective zone.

The legislation came after two vitriolic protests at synagogues in recent months. At one demonstration, anti-Zionist activists harassed Jews with discriminatory, violent and threatening rhetoric, and, at the second, chanted in support of Hamas.

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[Mosby]

1. We protect abortion clinics but not synagogues

Make it make sense.

Related:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/122319230

[lapucelle]

2. They can campaign all they want. Governor Hochul and the NYS legislature

are already working to codify buffer zones by amending section 240.70 of New York State Penal Law.

CRIMINAL INTERFERENCE WITH RELIGIOUS WORSHIPIN THE SECOND DEGREE

https://www.nycourts.gov/judges/cji/2-PenalLaw/240/240-70%281%29%28c%29.pdf

Protecting Safe Access to Worship and Health Care

In New York and across the nation, we see alarming incidents of interference including venomous and hate fueled demonstrations – when people attempt to exercise their right to worship or seek medical care in a manner that is safe and free from harassment. To ensure these fundamental freedoms, Governor Hochul is advancing legislation to establish buffer zones around houses of worship and health care facilities. Taking lessons learned from approaches adopted in other jurisdictions, these buffer zones will protect individuals from harassment and obstruction while preserving the right to lawful expression. This proposal reflects New York’s commitment to safeguarding public safety, religious freedom, and access to care, while upholding constitutional values.

https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/keeping-new-yorkers-safe-governor-hochul-unveils-plan-strengthen-public-safety-and-make-our

Senate Bill S8599
2025-2026 Legislative Session

Relates to certain crimes of interference with health care services or religious worship

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8599