Albany, NY – New York State Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato celebrated the passing of part of the New York State Budget that included the enactment of “buffer zones” in sensitive locations to combat the growing issue of Antisemitism. For years, and especially recently, Jewish New Yorkers have been repeatedly bombarded and harassed by protesters outside religious schools, sanctuaries, or community centers, something Pheffer Amato called "absolutely unacceptable.” Throughout the 2026 Legislative Session, the Assemblywoman has worked on legislative language to address this serious problem. “We cannot and will not allow this to stand. That’s why we’re fighting back by changing the law to reflect what’s actually going on - criminal interference with access to a place of religious worship.”

In partnership with her colleagues, and Governor Kathy Hochul, a new law is set to take effect that would charge someone with criminal interference if they knowingly or intentionally obstruct or interfere with the entryway or exit of a place of religious worship, which includes: a place to regularly gather for or hold religious services, observance, prayer, assembly, education, instruction, or devotional practice, including community centers, and shall include its entrance, entryway, exit,parking lot, parking lot entrance, driveway, driveway entrance, or sidewalk that touches such places. In addition, any and all protests at such locations must be conducted at least 50 feet away.

“While protesting is a fundamental right, there is a big difference between protesting and harassment. Scaring people isn’t acceptable and worrying families that they’ll be attacked because of their faith or what they look like is not how we operate in New York,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato, the only Jewish elected official currently representing South Queens. “The New York City Council attempted to do this, but the Mayor of New York City vetoed that legislation – refusing to protect Jewish New Yorkers. Governor Hochul didn’t allow that to continue, and she stood up to protect our community. That’s leadership, and I am proud to support this legislation and make sure we continue to be protected,” said the Assemblywoman.