Nassau County legislators have approved a bill that would add protection for worshippers at religious institutions.
The bill, formally known as the “Religious Safety Act,” was passed unanimously by the Nassau County Legislature and awaits signature by County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
It prohibits demonstrations from occurring within 10 feet of a person entering or exiting a place of religious worship.
It also prevents demonstrations within 35 feet of an entrance to a religious institution during the hour before a scheduled service and the hour after it ends.
New York State Assemblyman Ari Brown, whose district encompasses the Five Towns, praised Blakeman for backing the bill’s creation, saying he was “right to lead on it.”
“This measure does not silence anyone,” he said. “It simply says you don’t get to target families, children, or religious communities at their most vulnerable. In the Five Towns, where antisemitism is not abstract or academic, that protection matters.”
Efforts to pass the bill are part of a greater conversation on balancing rights to free speech with someone’s right to religious freedom and safety. Under the law, authorities must warn protesters before taking enforcement action.
Steven Saks, the rabbi at Congregation Sons of Israel, spoke on the importance of preserving safety of worshippers.
“People of all religions should be able to gather in practice and safety,” he said.
Tensions are high among the Jewish community in light of recent events:
In June, police responded to a report of a large banner reading “50,000 Dead Gazan Kids” hanging on the fence of the Israel Chesed Center on Peninsula Boulevard.
And the recent antisemitic attack at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia on Dec. 14, which claimed the lives of 15 people attending a Hanukkah celebration, sparked sermons from rabbis globally—Saks included.
“Terrorism is not only an attempt to hurt people, but gives fear of congregation,” he said. “As long as people are engaged in peaceful practice of religion, it’s important that they are protected.”
Legislators led by Mazi Pilip, who represents Great Neck, were motivated to act after a large protest outside Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue last month. Attendees were victims of derogatory remarks like “Zionism is a death cult” and “Death to the IDF,” with some protestors attempting to force their way inside.
Blakeman, who strongly supports the bill, stated that protests that threaten public safety will not stand in the community.
“Religious freedom is guaranteed under the Constitution of the United States,” he said. “Whether it’s a synagogue, church, temple, or mosque, Nassau County will not tolerate interference with people’s right to observe their religious worship.
Rabbi Ya’akov Trump of Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst said he applauds Nassau County’s courage to stand up to protect the safety of those who wish to use religious institutions.
“Our synagogue has twice been targeted by pro-Hamas bigots who threatened our community,” Trump said. “No religious community should be allowed to be targeted like this.”
He said the laws help protect the freedom of worship and freedom of expression in every community.
“Nassau County has distinguished itself from NYC by choosing to protect Jewish houses of worship from masked protesters who seek to intimidate and delegitimize Jews,” he said.
