DOJ Launches Investigation After Pro-Palestinian Mob Targets NYC Synagogue

The Department of Justice has opened a federal civil rights investigation after a pro-Palestinian mob surrounded Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, allegedly blocking entry and chanting antisemitic slogans during a legal seminar hosted by the Jewish immigration organization Nefesh B’Nefesh.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon confirmed Sunday that the DOJ, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is reviewing the incident and emphasized that obstructing access to a house of worship is a federal offense.

“This Department will not tolerate mob intimidation of religious communities,” Dhillon posted on X. She added that the DOJ has a “zero tolerance” policy for harassment, obstruction, or violence near synagogues, churches, mosques, or any place of worship.

The synagogue, led by 95-year-old Holocaust survivor Rabbi Arthur Schneier, was holding an informational event on Sunday about immigration to Israel when it was reportedly surrounded by protesters shouting “Death to the IDF,” “Globalize the Intifada,” and other antisemitic slurs including “f***ing Jewish pricks,” “rapists,” and “pedophiles,” according to The Times of Israel.

Despite the nature of the demonstration, incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office focused on criticizing the synagogue, accusing it of promoting activities “in violation of international law.” His press secretary justified the statement by arguing that helping Jews immigrate to Israel supports “settlement activity beyond the Green Line.”

Current Mayor Eric Adams strongly condemned the protests, calling the mob’s actions “sick and warped.”

The DOJ investigation will determine whether federal civil rights laws were violated and whether any criminal obstruction occurred under statutes protecting religious freedom and public access to places of worship.