Agudath Israel of America welcomes today’s action by the U.S. Department of Justice to enforce the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act in response to the disturbing incident that occurred at Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange, New Jersey in November 2024.

The allegations described in the Department’s complaint, that congregants were “threatened, intimidated, and subjected to violence as they gathered to honor the memory of a beloved rabbi,” strike at the heart of religious freedom in America.

“We have seen time and time again how antisemitic intimidation has led to violence,” said Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office. “No person of faith should ever feel unsafe or obstructed when entering a house of worship,” he added.

We thank Attorney General Pamela Bondi, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet K. Dhillon, and the Civil Rights Division for affirming, through this enforcement action, that Jewish communities, and all communities of faith, have the right to worship in peace and without fear.