JCRC-NY Statement on Governor Hochul's Support for Establishing Buffer Zones Around Houses of Worship

ALBANY, NY (01/13/2026) (readMedia)-- Today, Governor Hochul announced her support for legislation that establishes buffer zones around houses of worship and healthcare facilities to protect New Yorkers from discrimination and harassment.

In response, JCRC-NY CEO Mark Treyger issued the following statement:

"JCRC-NY strongly applauds Governor Hochul for advancing legislation to establish buffer zones around houses of worship.

This is an urgent and necessary response to the intimidation and threats we witnessed at Park East Synagogue and in Kew Gardens Hills.

As antisemitism continues to surge across New York, these incidents make painfully clear that when demonstrations target people at the doors of their religious institutions, they cross a red line into serious and immediate public-safety threats.

No one should ever have to fear for their life entering or leaving their house of worship. We are standing up for the safety of our neighbors and for our ironclad values as New Yorkers and as Americans."

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About JCRC-NY: JCRC-NY, a proud UJA-Federation of NY agency, serves as the primary community relations agency for the Jewish community in the metropolitan New York area. As an active force in New York civic and communal life, JCRC-NY operates as a central coordinating and resource body with a mission to build relationships to advance the values, interests, and security of the Jewish community and to create a more interconnected New York for all.