Albany, NY – A major victory has been secured in the New York State Budget to expand buffer zone protections for houses of worship, Jewish day schools, and community institutions across New York State, strengthening safeguards against harassment, intimidation, and violence.

The budget agreement comes in the wake of a series of demonstrations targeting Jewish institutions in New York and across the country, including a highly publicized protest outside Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills earlier this year. During that demonstration, protesters gathered outside the synagogue and surrounding Jewish community institutions, chanting slogans in support of Hamas and directing inflammatory rhetoric at members of the community. The incident drew widespread condemnation from elected officials, faith leaders, and civil rights organizations, and underscored growing concerns about the safety of worshippers, students, and families seeking to access religious and community spaces.

The final budget agreement establishes a 50-foot buffer zone around houses of worship and extends protections beyond houses of worship to include religious schools and community centers.

The legislation also establishes a misdemeanor offense for individuals who engage in harassment or intimidation within the protected buffer zone, ensuring that communities can access their institutions without fear.

Assemblyman Sam Berger and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic visited Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills and Yeshiva of Central Queens to present the newly enacted legislation and discuss the expanded protections it will provide for houses of worship, schools, and community institutions across New York State.

“Yeshiva of Central Queens is grateful to Assemblyman Sam Berger and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic for championing this important legislation,” said Malka Fishman, Executive Director of Yeshiva of Central Queens. “As a school located across from Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills, we understand firsthand the importance of ensuring that individuals can access houses of worship free from intimidation, harassment, and obstruction. This law strengthens protections for our community and reaffirms New York's commitment to religious freedom and public safety.”

“Our community deeply values the freedom to pray, learn, and gather without intimidation or disruption,” said Rabbi Daniel Rosenfelt, Rabbi of Young Israel of Kew Gardens Hills. “This legislation provides an important layer of protection for houses of worship and other community institutions, helping to preserve the sanctity and security of these spaces. We are thankful to Assemblyman Berger and Assemblywoman Rozic, and all those who championed this important effort.”

“What we witnessed in Kew Gardens Hills this January was despicable, with agitators terrorizing our neighborhood," said Assemblyman Sam Berger. “This new 50-foot buffer zone law makes clear that those who seek to harass or threaten our community will keep their distance or face real consequences. At a time when too many excuse antisemitic intimidation, we in the Assembly are standing up to those like Mayor Mamdani whose actions harm our very way of life.”

“At a time when Jewish communities are experiencing an alarming rise in antisemitism, intimidation, and violence, the government has an obligation to ensure that every New Yorker can enter a house of worship, school, or community center without having to run a gauntlet of hate speech,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic. “Expanding these protections in state law sends a clear message that we will not tolerate any hate, recognizing the urgency of this moment and taking meaningful action to strengthen the safety of our community.”

At a time of increasing division, this budget victory sends a clear message: New York State stands firmly with all communities and will act decisively to ensure their safety and security.