As earlier reported, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil complaint under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act against the entities and individuals who were allegedly violently protesting outside a Synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey last year.

The federal complaint alleges that worshippers were threatened, intimidated, and subjected to violence as they gathered to honor the memory of a rabbi.

In statement, Agudath Israel of America welcomed the action, calling it an important step in protecting religious freedom.

“We have seen time and time again how antisemitic intimidation has led to violence,” said Shlomo Schorr, Director of Legislative Affairs for Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office. “No person of faith should ever feel unsafe or obstructed when entering a house of worship,” he added.

Agudath Israel also expressed appreciation to Attorney General Pamela Bondi, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, and the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division for affirming that Jewish communities, and all faith communities, must be able to worship in peace and without fear.

The FACE Act, enacted in 1994, protects, among other things, the right to freely exercise religious beliefs at houses of worship. The Act makes it unlawful to use force, threats of force, or physical obstruction to intentionally injure, intimidate, or interfere with any person lawfully exercising their rights to seek or provide services or to worship.

The Justice Department’s complaint seeks injunctive relief to prevent the defendants from engaging in future violations of the FACE Act at synagogues or obstructing worshipers from synagogues throughout New Jersey — the fullest reach of the District Court. If granted, that injunction will ensure that congregants of the West Orange synagogue may attend religious services without harassment, intimidation, or violence.