New York State Governor Kathy Hochul vows new measures to protect synagogues and other houses of worship from protests during her annual State of the State address.
“In 2026, we’ll take new steps to protect our houses of worship against the rising tide of antisemitism and Islamophobia. New York has already invested $131 million to better secure these sacred places, but clearly, more must be done,” Hochul says in the speech in Albany.
“Just last week, protesters led pro-Hamas chants outside a synagogue in Kew Gardens Hills. That’s not free expression. That’s harassment, and targeting a Jewish community in this way is antisemitism,” she says.
“That’s why I’m proposing a ban on protests within 25 feet of the property line at houses of worship — so those who simply want to pray can do so without fear or harassment,” Hochul says.
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From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
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