Houses of worship need enhanced protection these days from anti-religious bigots. In recent times, virtually every major religion has had some of their houses of worship vandalized or invaded. Moreover, congregants have been subjected to taunts and threats. At stake is the First Amendment right to freely practice our religion.
While this is a nation-wide problem, it is a pressing concern to New Yorkers. Jews, in particular, have been targeted more than any religious group. What happened last November was despicable. Two hundred protesters showed up outside Manhattan’s Park East Synagogue holding vile anti-Jewish signs. They also yelled vicious comments at Jews going to synagogue, taunting them ferociously. This was totally unprovoked and totally indefensible.
Fortunately, the New York City Council elected a Speaker in January who is standing up against these bullies. Julie Menin is leading the fight against attacks on all houses of worship. Bill Donohue wrote to her expressing our support for her efforts, requesting we play an active role. She is being sent recent news releases we have written on this subject.
Included in this batch are statements Donohue has made about Mayor Zohran Mamdani. As you can see, his religious messaging is very troubling, and his penchant for hiring religious bigots is just as ominous. This does not bode well for the future, which is why the Catholic League supports Speaker Menin’s call for legislation that would provide greater protection for houses of worship.
The First Amendment means nothing unless it is enforced. That means that those who seek to undermine religious liberty must be defeated. The Catholic League is delighted to join the fight.
February 27, 2026
Hon. Julie Menin
New York City Council Speaker
City Hall
New York, NY 10007
Dear Speaker Menin:
The leadership you have shown in combating anti-religious bigotry is commendable. As president of the nation’s largest Catholic civil rights organization, headquartered in New York City, I have not only fought anti-Catholicism, I have fought anti-Semitism, joining forces with Jewish allies on many occasions for over three decades.
Accordingly, I would like you to add the Catholic League to the list of organizations that support your efforts to protect houses of worship from being bullied, harassed and otherwise threatened. Freedom of speech is precious, but when it is invoked to inhibit another First Amendment right, namely the free exercise of religion, it is indefensible.
In particular, the attack on the Park East Synagogue last November was despicable, and I said so in print, on radio and on TV. Yet some New York City notables, such as Zohran Mamdani (before and after he won the mayoral race), have made light of it.
It would help if you could put us in touch with those on your staff with whom we can work. Thank you for your defense of religious liberty.
Sincerely,
William A. Donohue, Ph.D.
President
P.S. See enclosures
