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The New York City Council approved on Thursday legislation enabling police to set protest-free buffer zones to help secure houses of worship and religious schools.
City Council Speaker Julie Menin said, “Today, the Council passed my legislation to protect safe access to houses of worship while fully upholding the sacrosanct rights to free speech and protest. This bill requires the NYPD to publish their plans, strengthens transparency and accountability, and ensures communities are part of the process.”
Today, the Council passed my legislation to protect safe access to houses of worship while fully upholding the sacrosanct rights to free speech and protest. This bill requires the NYPD to publish their plans, strengthens transparency and accountability, and ensures communities… pic.twitter.com/MtAmavfpBP
— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) March 26, 2026
The need for buffer zones was highlighted by several recent protests at Jewish institutions in New York City, home to the largest Jewish community outside Israel.
Last November, protesters shouted “Globalize the Intifada” outside Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, and chants of “We support Hamas” were heard at a January demonstration in front of a Jewish yeshiva in Queens. In both incidents, Jewish passersby were impeded and harassed.
According to New York City Police Department (NYPD) data, a 182% year-over-year rise in antisemitic incidents was recorded in the city in January.
At a City Council hearing last month, Combat Antisemitism Movement (CAM) Chief Government Affairs Officer Lisa Katz and Public Affairs Officer Natalie Sanandaji testified in favor of the buffer zone legislation.
On Thursday, Katz welcomed the council’s 44-5 vote, stating, “The New York City Council deserves real credit for taking this step. When Jewish communities and other houses of worship face growing threats, clear and practical measures like this one make a real difference, ensuring that people can gather, learn, and pray without intimidation. This is what responsible municipal leadership looks like.”
CAM commends Speaker Menin, Council Chair Yusef Salaam, and all councilmembers who supported the legislation. Their action reflects a principle central to CAM’s work with municipal leaders across the United States — that cities have both the authority and the responsibility to protect public safety while upholding constitutional rights.
