July 9, 2025 Your Source for Brentwood News

Justice Department Backs Synagogue Access Case, Citing Federal Protections Against Intimidation

DOJ Has Filed a Statement of Interest in Federal Court for Case at Adas Torah Synagogue.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a statement of interest in federal court to ensure a correct and uniform interpretation of federal law protecting access to places of religious worship. The case involves allegations that a violent mob used threats, intimidation, and violence to prevent congregants from entering Adas Torah Synagogue.

The DOJ’s filing is part of ongoing nationwide efforts to uphold religious freedom and combat antisemitism.

“Members of our Jewish community should not have to think about their safety when they go to worship,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally. “We make clear today that federal law prohibits people from obstructing access to places of worship.”

Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mac Warner echoed this commitment, stating, “Every person should be free to worship and attend religious services without fear of violence, threats, or intimidation.” Warner emphasized that the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division is actively working to combat antisemitism, using all available legal tools.

The Justice Department recently announced the formation of a multi-agency task force led by the Civil Rights Division to combat antisemitism. The task force is visiting 10 university campuses where antisemitic incidents have occurred. No mention was made of the 11 reporters who were attacked at the protest. 

Private plaintiffs filed the lawsuit at the center of the DOJ’s statement against several organizations and individuals, including:

  • CodePink Women for Peace
  • CodePink Action Fund
  • WESPAC Foundation
  • Honor the Earth
  • Courtney Lenna Schirf
  • Remo Ibrahim, d/b/a Palestinian Youth Movement
  • Various unnamed individuals

Plaintiffs allege that on June 23, 2024, these groups and individuals violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act), which also protects access to religious institutions.

The DOJ encourages individuals to report potential violations of federal civil rights laws by visiting civilrights.justice.gov or calling (800) 253-3931. More information on the Civil Rights Division’s work can be found at justice.gov/crt.

in News
Related Posts

Unmasking ICE: Senators Push for Visible IDs After Secretive LA Immigration Raids

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bill Requires Federal Agents to Display Visible Identification During Raids U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) on...

Bacio di Latte’s Beverly Hills Gelateria Debut Blends Italian Tradition with California Cool

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Gelateria Features In-House Gelato, Espresso Drinks, and Decadent Signature Flavors Bacio di Latte has officially opened its latest U.S. flagship...

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

Brentwood Feels Impact as Feds Slash Office Leases Across Los Angeles

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

New Tracker Reveals Over 70,000 Square Feet Cut in 2025 Alone Los Angeles County’s office market is experiencing a fresh...

One Last Bite: La Novia Bids Farewell with Final Pop-Up at Cardinale du Vin

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Inventive Latin-Asian Pop-up Serves Seasonal Small Plates for One-Night-Only La Novia, the pop-up kitchen known for its inventive Latin-Asian flavors,...

Interview: The Dinah Creator Mariah Hanson on Legacy, Change, and the Future of Queer Celebration

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

After 34 Groundbreaking Years, Hanson Reflects on Joy, Power, and Her Final Dinah  We spoke with Mariah Hanson, the creator...

Change in LAPD Coverage for Brentwood Residents as Officer Kirk Takes Leave

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Officer Kirk on Vacation Until Late July—Here’s Who to Contact Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer Matthew Kirk will...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Governor Newsom Unveils Fast-Track Rebuilding Plan on Six-Month Anniversary of Palisades Fire

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

State Clears Over 5.5 Billion Pounds of Debris From Fires Ahead of Schedule Marking six months since the devastating Eaton...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Ben Affleck Allegedly Spotted House-Hunting in Brentwood Actor Tours Homes Near Ex-Wife

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Oscar Winner Was Seen Leaving His Office and Then Checking Out Luxury Listings Ben Affleck was seen appearing tense...

Bel Air and Holmby Hills Estates Lead May’s List of America’s Top 10 Home Sales

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

LA Claims Two of the Top Three Luxury Home Sales Last Month Breaking into the nine-figure range, a recently sold...

Michael Madsen, Star of Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, Dies at 67 in Malibu

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

Actor Remembered for His Intense Performances and as a Poet  Actor Michael Madsen, known for his distinctive gravelly voice and...

Los Angeles City Council Cracks Down on ‘Disaster Tours’ in Pacific Palisades

July 4, 2025

July 4, 2025

City Council Bans Commercial Bus Tours in Burn Zone Amid Community Backlash Tour buses that have been operating in fire-ravaged...