DOJ sues far-left activists over attack on mourners outside New Jersey synagogue

A November 2024 protest outside a suburban New Jersey synagogue has become the focus of a major civil rights lawsuit, as the US Department of Justice moves to hold organizers and demonstrators accountable for what federal attorneys describe as a deliberate campaign of intimidation against Jewish worshippers.

The Justice Department filed the civil complaint in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey, accusing two anti-Israel groups, the Party for Socialism and Liberation–New Jersey and American Muslims for Palestine–New Jersey, along with several named individuals, of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act by threatening, harassing, and physically confronting congregants at Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange.

The FACE Act, passed in 1994, is best known for protecting access to reproductive health facilities, but it also safeguards the right to worship at houses of faith without obstruction or intimidation.

According to the Justice Department’s 21-page complaint, the incident unfolded on the evening of November 13, 2024, during what was intended to be a solemn memorial service for a recently deceased rabbi, coupled with an “Israel real estate fair” and spiritual gathering. The organizer, Moshe Glick, had planned to host the event at his home. But after activists circulated plans to protest at his residence, the gathering was moved to the synagogue.

Roughly 50 demonstrators assembled near Glick’s home that evening before marching toward Congregation Ohr Torah when they learned of the relocation. Federal prosecutors allege that the protestors were not content to demonstrate in the street. Instead, they broke through a police line, ignored repeated orders from officers, and advanced onto synagogue property as mourners and attendees arrived.

Once on the grounds, protestors used vuvuzelas, the long, plastic horns often associated with soccer matches, to disrupt the service. The complaint describes one woman approaching Glick and blowing her horn directly into his ear. When he tried to deflect it, another protestor, Altaf Sharif, allegedly blew his horn into Glick’s face and then charged him "with intent to cause serious bodily harm."

As the confrontation escalated, congregant David Silberberg intervened and pepper-sprayed Sharif. In response, a protestor reportedly pointed at Silberberg and shouted, “The Jew is here.” Sharif then allegedly grabbed Silberberg in a neck hold, flipped him over, and forced his face into the ground. Glick struck Sharif with a flashlight in an attempt to defend himself and others. Throughout this altercation, protestors continued blowing horns and shouting, making it impossible for mourners inside to hear the memorial service.

The lawsuit names several other defendants, Terry Kay, Matt Dragon, and Eric Camins, along with two unnamed protestors, who allegedly participated in the chaos. Prosecutors argue that the protestors’ tactics went far beyond protected speech, amounting to threats, intimidation, and physical interference intended to stop Jewish congregants from exercising their religious rights.

The Justice Department’s lawsuit seeks a court order to bar the defendants from coming within 50 feet of Congregation Ohr Torah or Glick’s home, and from protesting within 500 feet of any house of worship during religious services or events. It also requests civil penalties and damages for each person who was intimidated or obstructed.

“This Justice Department will vigorously enforce the right of every American to worship in peace and without fear,” said Harmeet K. Dhillon, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. Attorney General Pamela Bondi added, “No American should be harassed, targeted, or discriminated against for peacefully practicing their religion. Today’s lawsuit underscores our commitment to defending Jewish Americans—and all Americans of faith—from those who would threaten their right to worship.”

The case marks one of the rare times the FACE Act has been used to protect a house of worship rather than a medical facility. Federal officials say that expanding the law’s application is crucial at a time of rising antisemitic incidents nationwide.

The complaint is civil, not criminal, meaning the defendants are not being charged with crimes at this stage. However, if the court grants the injunction, it would establish new legal boundaries around protests targeting religious institutions in New Jersey.