US Sues Pro-Palestinian Groups Over Violent Synagogue Protest in New Jersey

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit against two pro-Palestinian organizations, American Muslims for Palestine New Jersey and the Party for Socialism and Liberation New Jersey, along with several activists, for their involvement in a violent protest outside Congregation Ohr Torah synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey, in November 2024. The protest disrupted a religious event that included a memorial service and a real estate fair promoting Israeli settlements, and escalated into physical assaults, use of vuvuzelas, and antisemitic chanting, leading to threats against Jewish worshippers. The lawsuit was filed under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a law traditionally used to prevent obstruction at abortion clinics but now applied to protect religious worshippers from violence and intimidation. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the Justice Department's commitment to defending Americans' right to peacefully practice their religion and highlighted the importance of protecting Jewish Americans from harassment and discrimination. The complaint seeks permanent injunctions, damages, and civil penalties, citing specific incidents such as protesters breaching police barricades, assaulting attendees, and using high-decibel noise to disrupt prayers. The protest forced the relocation of the event from a private home to the synagogue due to safety concerns, reflecting the broader tensions and repercussions within the community.