DOJ targets pro-Palestine activists with law previously used against pro-life groups

The Department of Justice just launched a surprising lawsuit against pro-Palestine protestors for a violent clash at a New Jersey synagogue.

Here’s the deal: the DOJ is using a law called the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, or FACE Act, in a civil suit against demonstrators who allegedly targeted Congregation Ohr Torah in November 2024.

This isn’t your typical case. It’s the first time the FACE Act has been used in a civil action for an attack on a place of worship, setting a new precedent.

FACE Act makes history in synagogue lawsuit

At a press conference, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon cut to the chase, saying, “In recent years, there have been numerous attacks on synagogues throughout the United States.”

She’s spot on. With synagogues facing more threats lately, it’s puzzling why the DOJ waited so long to use this law, making some question if all causes get the same attention.

Here’s the irony: the FACE Act was often used by the last administration to go after pro-life activists. Now it’s targeting a different crowd, and that switch raises eyebrows.

Violence erupts at New Jersey synagogue

The events at Congregation Ohr Torah were far from peaceful. Protestors are accused of trying to frighten worshipers with physical attacks, antisemitic shouts, and ignoring police commands completely.

Two worshipers, Moshe Glick and David Silberberg, faced the worst of it. Silberberg was allegedly choked by defendant Altaf Sharif after being pointed out in a hateful manner by Eric Camins.

As if that wasn’t enough, some protestors used vuvuzelas—super loud horns—to disrupt a memorial service and Torah sermon. Dhillon said this was a planned effort to bury sacred moments under noise.

DOJ points finger at organizations too

This lawsuit goes beyond just people. It also targets the New Jersey branches of the Party for Socialism and Liberation and American Muslims for Palestine, blaming them for a pattern of anti-Israel protests tied to violence or provocation.

Six individuals are named as defendants along with these groups. The DOJ is casting a wide net, though some ask if this same drive will tackle other cases that have been brushed aside.

Dhillon highlighted a big oversight in a past interview, noting over 200 pro-life clinics have been attacked—some even firebombed—without any DOJ response. It’s hard to square that with a law meant to shield such places.

Is FACE Act finally being used fairly?

On uneven enforcement, Dhillon was clear, stating, “The past administration only applied the FACE Act civil enforcement penalties to silence pro-life protestors.”

That’s a tough pill to swallow. While one group got hit hard by the law, others messing with holy sites or support centers seemed to walk free, clashing with America’s ideal of equal treatment.

Still, there’s a small sign of change with a January DOJ memo promising to stop “weaponizing” the FACE Act, plus pardons for 23 pro-life activists. Only time will tell if this synagogue case means real fairness or just a momentary shift.