In the News

Jewish pride’s Israel parade: Mamdani isn’t wanted and should stay away

Posted on May 24, 2026

Rabbi Marc Schneier Next Sunday, May 31, more than 50,000 people will march up Fifth Ave. in the Celebrate Israel Parade, as tens of thousands will line the route, reveling in the fact that Israel in its 78th year is a proud Jewish democracy in our indigenous homeland. The Knesset, Israel’s parliament, is sending its largest Continue Reading »

Eid Al-Adha and Its Contemporary Lessons

Posted on May 12, 2026

Rabbi Marc Schneier Muslim faithfuls take part in prayer at the Jamacadaha Stadium in Mogadishu on the first day of Eid Al-Adha. (AFP/File) Muslims around the world are preparing for Eid Al-Adha, which commemorates the binding of Ishmael. This is similar to the biblical narrative known as the Akeidah, the binding of Isaac, and both Continue Reading »

Passover: A Celebration of Human Interdependence

Posted on March 31, 2026

Rabbi Marc Schneier March 31, 2026  The declaration at Passover affirms that freedom must be inclusive and that no one should be excluded from dignity (Reuters) The festival of Passover, which the Jewish people observe this year at the beginning of April, is the cornerstone of Jewish identity. The defining message of Passover is enduring: Continue Reading »

NYC Council Approves ‘buffer zone’ Legislation Insulating Houses of Worship from Protests

Posted on March 27, 2026

The “buffer zone” legislation for religious institutions was passed with a vote of 44-5, reaching a super-majority that will make it immune from a potential veto. Protesters of the “buffer zone” legislation gather outside New York City Hall on March 26, 2026. (photo credit: Jewish Telegraphic Agency) By GRACE GILSON/JTA MARCH 27, 2026 05:53 The New Continue Reading »

NYC Bill Allowing Protest ‘buffer zones’ Around Houses of Worship Passes with Veto-Proof Majority

Posted on March 27, 2026

Matthew Fischetti, Carl Campanile, Craig McCarthy, Matt Troutman Thu, March 26, 2026 at 5:40 PM EDT They’re in the zone. The NYPD will be allowed to set up buffer zones around synagogues and other houses of worship under a controversial bill passed by the City Council Thursday — despite fierce opposition from Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s DSA allies. Continue Reading »

NYC Council Passes Veto-Proof Bill to Protect Synagogues from Protesters

Posted on March 27, 2026

New York City Council passes legislation creating protective perimeters around houses of worship and schools to combat antisemitism and ensure safe access during protests. NYPD protect synagogue in New York City Mar 27, 2026, 6:50 AM (GMT+3) The New York City Council passed legislation on Thursday that creates protective perimeters around houses of worship and Continue Reading »

NYC Council Approves Buffer Zones around Houses of Worships, Schools as Part of Legislative Package against Jew-Hatred

Posted on March 27, 2026

(JNS ) The New York City Council passed legislation on Thursday that creates protective perimeters around houses of worship and schools during protests, part of a package designed to combat Jew-hatred and hate crimes across New York City following an uptick of antisemitism and a series of demonstrations outside Jewish institutions. “I am immensely proud of Continue Reading »

NYC Council Approves ‘buffer zone’ Legislation Insulating Houses of Worship from Protests

Posted on March 27, 2026

Antisemitic mob hurls vulgar insults at Jews outside a Manhattan synagogue, Nov. 19, 2025. (X) Opponents of the legislation have said that it would have a chilling effect on First Amendment protections. By Grace Gilson, JTA March 27, 2026 The New York City Council passed legislation on Thursday aimed at protecting synagogues from disruptive protests, marking Continue Reading »

NYC Council Approves ‘buffer zone’ Legislation Insulating Houses of Worship from Protests

Posted on March 27, 2026

A separate law aimed at protecting schools could be subject to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s veto. Protesters of the “buffer zone” legislation gather outside New York City Hall on March 26, 2026. (Jewish Telegraphic Agency) By Grace Gilson March 27, 2026 (New York Jewish Week) — The New York City Council passed legislation on Thursday aimed at Continue Reading »

NYC Bill Allowing Protest ‘buffer zones’ around Houses of Worship Passes with Veto-Proof Majority

Posted on March 26, 2026

By amedpost They’re in the zone. The NYPD will be allowed to set up buffer zones around synagogues and other houses of worship under a controversial bill passed by the City Council Thursday — despite fierce opposition from Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s DSA allies. The dramatic vote sends the legislation championed by Council Speaker Julie Menin Continue Reading »

NYC Passes Buffer Zone Bill For Houses Of Worship Amid Security Concerns

Posted on March 26, 2026

Rabbi Marc Schneier praises council action while criticizing mayor’s shifting stance on protecting religious communities. By:TheJ.ca Staff March 26, 2026 Worshippers enter a synagogue in New York City as officials implement new buffer zone protections aimed at preventing harassment near houses of worship. (Image: Illustration/TheJ.Ca.) NEW YORK — New York City has passed a new buffer Continue Reading »

NYC Council Approves Buffer Zones around Houses of Worships, Schools as Part of Legislative Package Against Jew-hatred

Posted on March 26, 2026

“The increase in hateful acts across the city is absolutely abhorrent, and we have to do something about it,” stated Julie Menin, the council speaker. Mar. 26, 2026 Jessica Russak-Hoffman Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, speaks at a press conference at City Hall ahead of a vote on a package of Continue Reading »