DOJ says investigation underway into pro-Palestinian group surrounding Park East Synagogue

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, declared that the Department of Justice will not stand for mob intimidation or interference targeting places of worship in response to an incident in Manhattan where a pro-Palestinian group surrounded Park East Synagogue. 

The incident took place when Park East Synagogue, under the leadership of 95-year-old Holocaust survivor Rabbi Arthur Schneier, held a legal informational event organized by Nefesh B’Nefesh, a group that helps Jews immigrate to Israel. 

Protesters gathered around the synagogue, reportedly blocking entry and chanting hostile slogans such as "Death to the IDF" and "Globalize the Intifada," along with other antisemitic remarks.

Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's representative said the mayor denounces the actions and rhetoric of the protesters. 

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday, Dhillon pointed out that obstructing access to a house of worship is a federal offense, noting that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, was actively investigating gathering details about the incident.