CAIR Objects to L.A. Proposal to Protect Synagogues from Harassment

The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is objecting to a proposal by the Los Angeles City Council that aims to prevent harassment at the entrances of synagogues, following a surge in antisemitic incidents tied to anti-Israel protests.

At a glance:

• CAIR’s California chapter is opposing a proposal by the L.A. City Council that would create an eight-foot “bubble zone” around synagogues and religious institutions.
• The proposal aims to address rising antisemitism linked to anti-Israel protests, but CAIR argues it unfairly targets pro-Palestinian activists.
• The measure would make it a misdemeanor to block entrances or protest within eight feet of those entering religious institutions, healthcare facilities, and schools.

The proposal, introduced in response to a rise in antisemitism throughout the city, was drafted after a series of June protests in which pro-Palestinian activists targeted local synagogues, in some cases blocking entrances. The authors of the proposal, City Council members Katy Yaroslavsky and Bob Blumenfield, have called for increased resources to protect religious institutions from harassment.

The proposal would create an eight-foot “bubble zone” around the entrances of synagogues and other religious institutions, as well as schools and healthcare facilities. Within this zone, it would be illegal to block entrances or protest within eight feet of individuals trying to enter. The Los Angeles Times reported that the law would apply within 100 feet of a facility’s entrance and would cover mosques in addition to synagogues.

However, CAIR has voiced its opposition to the measure, arguing that it unfairly targets pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel activists. In a letter addressed to the Los Angeles city attorney, CAIR urged an examination of the “underlying context” of the proposal, claiming it infringes on the First Amendment rights of peaceful protesters.

CAIR’s letter stated, “Peaceful pro-Palestinian protesters have courageously stood up against the ongoing violations of human rights in Gaza,” and expressed concern that the proposal seeks to suppress those voices. However, there have been reports of violence at protests, and some activists have faced accusations of obstructing the entrances to synagogues.

The controversy surrounding CAIR’s opposition to the proposal is not new. The organization has faced criticism in the past due to its ties to contentious activities and groups. In 2007-2008, CAIR was named an unindicted co-conspirator in the terror financing trial of the Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development. This led the FBI to cut ties with the organization. In 2009, a federal judge ruled that the government had “produced ample evidence” linking CAIR to Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization. Additionally, in 2014, the United Arab Emirates designated CAIR as a terrorist organization, a decision opposed by the Obama administration.

The proposal continues to be a point of contention as city officials debate how best to protect religious institutions from harassment while balancing the rights of protesters.