In the News

(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...

Alan Zeitlin March 19, 2026   Rabbi Marc Schneier, who has worked to foster better Muslim/Jewish relations, believes the Gulf States were not surprised by Iran’s attacks on its members. Rabbi Marc Schneier, president and founder of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding with Shaikh Abdulla Bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ambassador to America. When Iran fired a salvo of missiles at civilian targets in the Gulf States, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudia...

Rabbi Marc Schneier’s new work examines Martin Luther King Jr.’s expectations for Black–Jewish partnership and explores how trust between the two communities can be rebuilt through sustained cooperation rather than symbolism. By: TheJ.ca Staff February 23, 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Marc Schneier are depicted in a symbolic composite image reflecting the historic and evolving alliance between Black and Jewish communities, highlighted during Black History Month and explored...

I knew the late reverend for decades, and saw firsthand his willingness to change, grow and reach across the divide Reverend Jesse Jackson and Rabbi Marc Schneier. Photo by Gerald Peart By Marc SchneierFebruary 19, 2026 I know that for many in our community, the name of Reverend Jesse Jackson evokes a complicated history. Yet when I received the news of Jackson’s passing on Tuesday, I did not just mourn a global icon of the Civil Rights movement. I mourned a cherished friend. Over the course...

Foundation for Ethnic Understanding president warns that efforts to detach Zionism from Jewish identity distort history and undermine the fight against antisemitism. By:TheJ.ca Staff January 29, 2026 Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, speaks at a public forum on Jewish identity and antisemitism. Schneier authored a new op-ed marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day. (Image: Supplied.) New York — Rabbi Marc Schneier, president of the...