NEW YORK (VINnews) — Mark Goldfeder, an ordained rabbi, attorney, and founder of the National Jewish Advocacy Center, sent a letter to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Thursday urging city officials to strictly enforce disorderly conduct laws amid concerns over a planned protest he says could intimidate Jewish residents.

In the letter, Goldfeder warned that demonstrators were preparing actions that could “menace the Jewish community” and called on City Hall to ensure public safety laws are applied equally.

Goldfeder cited New York Penal Law §240.20, which prohibits disorderly conduct that causes or recklessly risks public alarm, including conduct involving masked intimidation.

“These laws must be enforced equally,” Goldfeder wrote. “Public safety cannot depend on politics.”

Protestors are planning to menace the Jewish community tonight. Reminder to @NYCMayor: Penal Law §240.20 squarely prohibits disorderly conduct that causes or recklessly risks public alarm—including masked intimidation. These laws must be enforced equally. pic.twitter.com/6qUXNctC0d
— Mark Goldfeder (@MarkGoldfeder) January 8, 2026

Since Mamdani took office, Goldfeder has raised his public profile, becoming a more frequent and outspoken critic of City Hall, regularly pressing the mayor on issues affecting the Jewish community.

The appeal comes as tensions in the city have risen around demonstrations tied to the war in Gaza and broader Middle East politics. Jewish leaders say the line between political expression and intimidation has increasingly blurred, especially in neighborhoods with large Jewish populations.

City Hall did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Goldfeder’s letter.

Police officials have said the NYPD remains committed to protecting the right to protest while enforcing laws against harassment, threats and disorderly conduct. Jewish advocacy groups say consistent enforcement will be critical to maintaining public trust and preventing further escalation.

Just to clarify based on some of the questions I’ve received: the @NYPD107Pct did not issue any directives to close to schools, synagogues, or local institutions. They notified them of the planned protest, and each entity made its own determination based on the recent history of… https://t.co/SMm2Litrua
— Sam Berger (@SamBergerNY) January 8, 2026

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