Religious liberty must be defended against escalating attacks on synagogues
The opinion piece highlights recent violent disruptions at synagogues in New York and Los Angeles, where worshippers faced harassment and threats. The author argues that the freedom to worship without fear is a fundamental American right that transcends any single faith. He urges collective concern and action to protect houses of worship.
The Anti-Defamation League's 2025 tracking recorded dozens of protest-related antisemitic incidents alongside nearly 530 separate harassment episodes at American synagogues, with physical assaults hitting record highs even as overall incident numbers dipped. The proposed Right to Worship Act, introduced by Senators Cruz and Slotkin alongside Representatives Suozzi and Knott, would create a 100-foot buffer zone around religious buildings, barring conduct meant to disrupt services or block attendance while preserving peaceful protest rights.
The problem reaches beyond Jewish congregations. A Michigan LDS church was burned last fall, and a May attack at San Diego's largest mosque left three dead. These cases illustrate a broader pattern of houses of worship becoming contested spaces rather than sanctuaries.
This story could reshape how communities balance public protest against religious access, potentially influencing local security policies and federal legislation. Congregations of all faiths may face heightened anxiety and increased security costs, while lawmakers could see renewed pressure to codify worship protections. The measure's bipartisan sponsorship suggests possible traction, though free-speech advocates may raise concerns about protest restrictions. The outcome could affect how religious institutions nationwide approach safety planning and how demonstrators calibrate their tactics.