DOJ Targets Pro-Palestinian Protesters at New Jersey Synagogue

The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed on Monday that it is taking action under freedom of access laws against pro-Palestinian protesters accused of disrupting a New Jersey synagogue during a violent demonstration in November 2024.

Attorney General Hermet Dillon stated that this might be the first instance where the current administration has employed these laws against pro-life activists.

“In recent years, we’ve seen numerous attacks on synagogues across the U.S.,” Dillon emphasized during a press conference. “Yet, there hasn’t been enough enforcement of laws to prevent these awful incidents.”

“Previous administrations largely ignored the 1994 law, mostly using it to silence protesters supporting life,” she added.

The protesters allegedly engaged in coordinated efforts to intimidate and confuse Jewish worshippers at Ohr Torah synagogue. One account mentioned an individual named Silverberg being placed in a chokehold by a defendant, Altaf Sharif, after another defendant, Eric Cummins, labeled him “Jewish.”

“Protesters were screaming at Jewish residents, disrupting their religious practices with loud noise from Vevzeras, which could lead to hearing damage,” Dillon noted. “The group advanced onto the property, shouting and disturbing the service and Torah readings.”

Additionally, the complaint names six individual defendants and highlights organizations like the New Jersey chapter of the Party for Socialism and Liberation. These groups have a history of orchestrating anti-Israel protests marked by violence or incitement.

Dillon also mentioned ongoing investigations into other similar incidents under these laws. In a prior conversation with the Daily Caller News Foundation, she hinted there might be different ways to apply the law.

“These laws can also protect clinics where women receive counseling on abortion options, which have been attacked multiple times over the years with little response from the DOJ,” she remarked previously.

In a recent statement from the DOJ, they reiterated their commitment to end any misuse of these laws. It was noted that former President Donald Trump pardoned 23 pro-life activists charged by the Biden administration earlier this year.

“Although these protesting groups had harmful intentions, we will instead use this situation to promote the protection of religious freedom for all Americans,” Dillon concluded.