By Michael Katz | Friday, 05 December 2025 06:05 PM EST
Gov. Kathy Hochul could be headed for a clash with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani over her support for legislation that would create buffer zones near houses of worship.
Assemblymember Micah Lasher and state Sen. Sam Sutton have introduced a measure that would ban demonstrations within 25 feet of the entrances and parking lots of houses of worship and abortion clinics.
A source in the governor’s office confirmed on Friday that establishing such buffer zones is part of Hochul’s agenda for upcoming budget negotiations, as lawmakers return to Albany next month.
The proposal has gained traction following an incident last month when anti-Israel protesters gathered outside the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan. The synagogue was hosting Nefesh B’Nefesh—a group facilitating Jewish immigration to Israel.
When asked about the protest, Hochul emphasized her commitment to protecting worshipers’ rights but did not endorse a specific bill. “I’m very interested in protecting the rights of individuals to worship in any location, place, house of worship or sensitive locations, and so I’m willing to seriously consider measures like buffer zones,” she stated.
Mamdan expressed concerns about this incident, stating that demonstrators should be able to enter houses of worship freely without feeling intimidated. However, he criticized Nefesh B’Nefesh for its activities, claiming they violate international law through their promotion of Jewish communities in areas beyond certain borders. Spokesperson Dora Pekec noted, “He believes every New Yorker has the right to attend religious services safely.”
Despite her public stance on supporting buffer zones, Hochul distanced herself from this specific characterization. She told reporters, according to available reports, “I don’t agree with that assessment.”
Lasher, who is seeking re-election in a competitive primary for Congress’s 12th District seat, welcomed Hochul’s backing of the common-sense legislation. “This is an opportunity to prevent such incidents from becoming normalized,” he added.
New York Governor Faces Potential Conflict as Proposed Buffer Zone Bill for Houses of Worship Advances
By Michael Katz
Gov. Kathy Hochul finds herself in a potentially contentious position following her support for a new New York state measure aimed at creating buffer zones around houses of worship, an issue that has gained attention after anti-Israel protests disrupted services near the Park East Synagogue.
State Assemblyman Micah Lasher and State Sen. Sam Sutton have introduced legislation seeking to ban demonstrations within 25 feet of house entrances and parking lots, particularly targeting sensitive locations like religious institutions. The bill addresses security concerns following a recent incident at the Park East Synagogue in Manhattan, where protesters gathered outside while services were being held.
The proposed law has been pushed forward after an anti-Israel protest occurred just last month near Nefesh B’Nefesh—an organization assisting Jewish immigration to Israel—and the Park East Synagogue. The demonstration involved demonstrators chanting slogans critical of Israeli military operations abroad.
In response, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani issued a statement discouraging such disruptive behavior around sacred spaces but added criticism toward those hosting the event at his synagogue. A spokesperson for Mr. Mamdani noted, “He believes every New Yorker should feel free to attend religious services without facing intimidation nearby.”
When questioned about the incident by media outlets covering this matter, Gov. Hochul indicated openness to examining buffer zone solutions but has yet to endorse any specific legislation addressing it directly.
Meanwhile, Assemblyman Lasher expressed appreciation for Governor Hochul’s stance and views on ensuring freedom from disruption near houses of worship.
