The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated a civil lawsuit against pro-Palestinian demonstrators accused of disrupting a religious event at Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange, New Jersey. The suit, filed on September 29, 2025, invokes the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, a statute traditionally employed to protect access to reproductive health services.
The incident in question occurred on November 13, 2024, during a real estate fair promoting property sales in Israel and the occupied West Bank. Originally planned at the residence of Dr. Moshe Glick, the event was relocated to the synagogue due to safety concerns after protesters publicized Glick’s home address and announced plans to demonstrate there. Approximately 50 protesters gathered near Glick’s home before moving to the synagogue upon learning of the venue change. The DOJ alleges that the demonstrators physically assaulted worshippers and used noisemakers, such as vuvuzelas, to disrupt the event. ([newjerseymonitor.com](https://newjerseymonitor.com/2025/09/29/trump-admin-sues-nj-activists-pro-palestinian-groups-over-synagogue-scuffle/?utm_source=openai))
The lawsuit names two organizations—American Muslims for Palestine New Jersey and the Party for Socialism and Liberation in New Jersey—as well as three individual demonstrators. The DOJ is seeking injunctive relief to prevent future violations of the FACE Act at synagogues throughout New Jersey, aiming to ensure that congregants can attend religious services without harassment, intimidation, or violence. ([justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-lawsuit-under-face-act-against-violent-protestors-synagogue-west?utm_source=openai))
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting religious freedoms, stating, “No American should be harassed, targeted, or discriminated against for peacefully practicing their religion.” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon added that the DOJ will “vigorously enforce the right of every American to worship in peace and without fear.” ([justice.gov](https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-files-lawsuit-under-face-act-against-violent-protestors-synagogue-west?utm_source=openai))
The FACE Act, enacted in 1994, prohibits the use of force, threats of force, or physical obstruction to intentionally injure, intimidate, or interfere with individuals seeking to exercise their religious beliefs at places of worship. While the Act has been primarily used to address obstructions at reproductive health facilities, this case marks one of the first instances it has been applied to protect religious worship. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/doj-sues-over-pro-palestinian-protest-using-law-abortion-clinic-access-2025-09-29/?utm_source=openai))
Notably, the DOJ’s lawsuit does not include pro-Israel counter-protesters who were charged with aggravated assault and other offenses during the same incident. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has not commented on the pending prosecutions. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/d8e45edcf962ea62b3d86251de103737?utm_source=openai))
This legal action underscores the DOJ’s broader efforts to address and prevent disruptions at houses of worship, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding the rights of all individuals to practice their religion free from intimidation and violence.