The lawsuit requests buffer zones around the synagogue and Glick’s home as well as a ban on unpermitted protests within 500 feet of any house of worship in New Jersey.
By Shula Rosen
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a sweeping civil lawsuit in New Jersey against two pro-Palestinian organizations and several activists over their involvement in a November 2024 protest that turned violent at the Ohr Torah synagogue in West Orange.
According to the complaint, demonstrators forced their way through police barricades, stormed synagogue property, and shouted antisemitic threats such as “Zionists are Nazis” and “From the river to the sea.”
They blasted vuvuzelas and bullhorns at close range to drown out prayers. The situation escalated when 65-year-old David Zilberberg was placed in a chokehold, slammed to the ground, and dragged across the synagogue lawn before other attendees intervened.
The protest was originally directed at Dr. Moshe Glick, a local dentist and longtime community organizer, who had hosted gatherings blending prayer services with presentations on housing projects in Israeli communities.
After threats at his home, including a letter signed by anti-Israel activists, the event was moved to the synagogue.
Despite efforts to keep the location private, demonstrators appeared and staged the disruption.
Federal prosecutors named activists Tova Fry, also known as Terry Kay, as well as Altaf Sharif, Matt Dragon, and Eric Camins.
Fry is accused of circulating Glick’s home address, while Sharif allegedly assaulted Zilberberg after blasting noise devices inches from Glick’s ears.
The DOJ argues the protest was not protected expression but an orchestrated campaign of intimidation against Jewish worshippers.
The lawsuit requests buffer zones around the synagogue and Glick’s home, as well as a ban on unpermitted protests within 500 feet of any house of worship in New Jersey.
It also seeks damages for victims and fines of up to $52,786 for repeated violations.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon declared that “no American should ever be threatened, harassed or obstructed in the practice of their faith,” while U.S. Attorney Pamela Bondi vowed vigorous enforcement of religious freedom.
The federal case proceeds as separate state criminal charges against Glick and Zilberberg move forward, leaving both communities and courts grappling with the fallout of the synagogue confrontation.
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