New York City, November 24, 2025
A protest outside the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan sparked outrage among city officials and Jewish community leaders. With chants such as ‘globalize the intifada’ and ‘death to the IDF,’ concerns over safety arose during an event hosted by Nefesh B’Nefesh. Acting Mayor and NYPD Commissioner voiced strong criticism regarding the handling of the demonstration, while community leaders condemned the protesters’ language as hate speech, urging for policies to protect places of worship and ensure safety for congregants.
New York City Leaders Condemn Protesters’ Actions Outside Park East Synagogue
New York City, NY – A protest outside the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan has sparked significant backlash from city officials and Jewish community leaders. The demonstration, which took place last week, featured around 200 protesters chanting slogans that raised concerns among attendees of a concurrent event hosted by Nefesh B’Nefesh, a nonprofit organization aiding Jewish immigration to Israel. Phrases such as “globalize the intifada” and “death to the IDF” were used, prompting serious worries regarding the safety and well-being of congregants.
Acting Mayor Criticizes NYPD’s Handling of Protest
Acting Mayor Randy Mastro voiced strong criticism against the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) management of the protest, asserting that protesters should not have been allowed to assemble so closely to the synagogue. Mastro underscored the necessity of safeguarding places of worship, ensuring individuals can practice their faith free from harassment or intimidation.
NYPD Commissioner Apologizes to Congregants
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch extended a personal apology to the congregants of Park East Synagogue regarding the department’s response to the protest. During a service, Tisch admitted that the NYPD failed to enforce a proper safety barrier at the synagogue’s entrance, allowing protesters access that was deemed too close. She expressed regret for the anxiety caused to the community.
Community Leaders Express Concern Over Protesters’ Language
Jewish community leaders condemned the language used by the protesters as incitements to violence and hate speech. They emphasized the need for a collective response to counter such rhetoric, advocating for increased vigilance to ensure the safety and security of religious institutions and their congregants.
Background on the Protest
The protest occurred during an event organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh, which facilitates the immigration of Jewish individuals from North America to Israel. Pro-Palestinian activists assembled outside the synagogue to express opposition to the organization’s mission, resulting in heightened tensions as they approached the building, raising concerns among attendees.
Political Reactions to the Protest
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani faced criticism for his handling of the incident. His office released a statement denouncing the chants used by the protesters but also criticized the event at the synagogue, implying a violation of international law. Jewish leaders deemed this response inadequate, arguing it could normalize intimidation tactics against Jewish communities and called for a stronger condemnation of the protesters’ actions.
City Officials’ Commitment to Combating Antisemitism
In light of the protest, city officials reaffirmed their commitment to fighting antisemitism and protecting the safety of all New Yorkers. They are advocating for unity and collective efforts to combat hate speech while calling on the NYPD to reassess its procedures for handling protests near places of worship to prevent future incidents.
Conclusion
The protest at Park East Synagogue has unveiled ongoing challenges related to religious freedom and public safety in New York City. The incident has led to critical evaluations of law enforcement’s responses and political leadership, highlighting the pressing need for definitive policies and actions to uphold the rights and safety of all communities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the nature of the protest outside Park East Synagogue?
The protest involved approximately 200 demonstrators who gathered near the synagogue’s entrance during an event hosted by Nefesh B’Nefesh, a nonprofit organization that assists Jewish individuals in immigrating to Israel. The protesters chanted slogans such as ‘globalize the intifada’ and ‘death to the IDF,’ leading to concerns about the safety and well-being of congregants attending the event.
How did Acting Mayor Randy Mastro respond to the protest?
Acting Mayor Randy Mastro expressed strong disapproval of the New York Police Department’s (NYPD) response to the protest. He stated that the protesters should not have been allowed to gather so close to the synagogue’s entrance, emphasizing that such actions were unacceptable in the city. Mastro highlighted the importance of protecting houses of worship and ensuring that individuals can practice their religion without fear of harassment or intimidation.
What did NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch say about the incident?
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch personally apologized to the congregants of Park East Synagogue for the department’s handling of the protest. During a service, she acknowledged that the NYPD failed to maintain a clear safety buffer at the synagogue’s entrance, allowing the protesters to come too close to the building. Tisch emphasized that this oversight was a shortcoming on the part of the department and expressed regret for the distress caused to the synagogue community.
How have community leaders reacted to the protesters’ language?
Jewish community leaders have condemned the protesters’ chants as incitements to violence and hate speech. They have called for increased vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety and security of religious institutions and their congregants. The leaders emphasized the need for a collective effort to combat such rhetoric and protect the rights of all individuals to practice their religion without fear.
What was Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s response to the protest?
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s office issued a statement condemning the language used by the protesters but also criticized the event held at the synagogue, suggesting it violated international law. This response has been met with backlash from Jewish leaders, who view it as insufficient and potentially normalizing intimidation tactics against Jewish communities. They have called for a more robust condemnation of the protesters’ actions and a clear stance against antisemitism.
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Key Features of the Protest and Responses
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protest Location | Park East Synagogue, Manhattan, New York City |
| Date of Protest | Last week (specific date not provided) |
| Number of Protesters | Approximately 200 |
| Event at Synagogue | Nefesh B’Nefesh event assisting Jewish immigration to Israel |
| Protesters’ Chants | “Globalize the intifada,” “Death to the IDF” |
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