Story perspectives

NYPD Declares Synagogue ‘No-Speech Zone’ Amid Counter-Protest Violence

5/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

NYPD set a cordon around Young Israel of Midwood, labeled a “no-speech zone” by the NY Civil Liberties Union.
The expo was held at the synagogue, which runs a senior center receiving over $800,000.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani opposed the expo’s settlement sales promotion and backed a buffer-zone limiting protests near houses of worship.
Pro-Israel counter-protesters on scooters hurled slurs, threw eggs and pepper-sprayed a demonstrator, prompting at least one arrest.

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Story summary

NYPD set a cordon around Young Israel of Midwood, labeled a “no-speech zone” by the NY Civil Liberties Union.
The expo was held at the synagogue, which runs a senior center receiving over $800,000.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani opposed the expo’s settlement sales promotion and backed a buffer-zone limiting protests near houses of worship.
Pro-Israel counter-protesters on scooters hurled slurs, threw eggs and pepper-sprayed a demonstrator, prompting at least one arrest.