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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: we, too, were strangers in pharaonic Egypt, 3,300 years ago. For the Jewish people, this is not merely a historical recollection, it is a moral imperative. Because...

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 York City Council passed legislation on Thursday aimed at protecting synagogues from disruptive protests, marking a decisive...

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. The dramatic vote sends the legislation championed by Council Speaker Julie Menin — who introduced the bill after anti-Israel protesters swarmed synagogues...

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 schools during protests, part of a package designed to combat Jew-hatred and hate crimes across New York City following an uptick of antisemitism...

(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 the legislative package the council passed today to combat hate, including my legislation to help protect safe access to houses of worship,” stated...

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 a decisive victory following a months-long push by Jewish and local leaders to strengthen safeguards around houses of worship. The “buffer...

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 protecting synagogues from disruptive protests, marking a decisive victory following a months-long push by Jewish and local leaders to strengthen safeguards...

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 — who introduced the bill after anti-Israel protesters swarmed synagogues — to Mamdani’s desk with a veto-proof 44-5 majority. Free speech advocates and many of...

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 zone law aimed at protecting houses of worship from harassment, with the measure receiving a veto-proof majority...

“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 bills that fight hate, including antisemitism, March 26, 2026. Credit: Will Alatriste/NYC Council. William Alatriste ( Mar. 26, 2026 / JNS ) The New York City Council passed legislation...