Agudath Israel of America has announced its support for bipartisan federal legislation designed to help ensure Americans can safely access houses of worship, a proposal that could carry particular significance for communities such as Lakewood, home to one of the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish populations and hundreds of synagogues and batei medrash.

The Right to Worship Act, introduced by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), along with Representatives Brad Knott (R-N.C.) and Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.), would establish a 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship, making it unlawful to intentionally disrupt or impede individuals seeking to attend or participate in religious services.

The legislation comes as Jewish communities nationwide and around New Jersey continue to face heightened security concerns amid a rise in antisemitic incidents and demonstrations outside synagogues in several major cities.

In 2025 alone, the ADL documented dozens of protest-related antisemitic incidents and nearly 530 incidents of harassment at synagogues in the U.S.

In recent years, federal, state, and local officials have expanded security initiatives and funding for religious institutions in response to increasing threats targeting houses of worship of many faiths. Similar legislation has also been introduced at both the federal and state levels to address disruptions outside religious institutions.

While Lakewood has not experienced the types of high-profile disruptions seen elsewhere in New Jersey, local Shuls, schools, and other Jewish institutions have significantly enhanced security measures in recent years. Security personnel, surveillance systems, and emergency preparedness have become increasingly common throughout the township, reflecting broader concerns shared by Jewish communities across the country.

Supporters say the legislation would provide an additional layer of protection while safeguarding the ability of individuals of all faiths to worship without intimidation or interference.

“Houses of worship are sacred spaces. The Right to Worship Act helps protect Americans of all faiths by creating a 100-foot buffer zone around houses of worship and imposes civil penalties on those trying to disrupt or impede those gathering for religious services,” said Rabbi A.D. Motzen, National Director of Government Affairs for Agudath Israel of America.

“Unfortunately, recent incidents in front of synagogues around the country highlight the need for additional protections. We thank Senators Cruz and Slotkin and Representatives Knott and Suozzi for sponsoring the bill, and we urge Congress to advance this important piece of legislation,” Rabbi Motzen added.

If enacted, the legislation would establish federal civil protections intended to prevent individuals from obstructing or intimidating those entering or leaving houses of worship, while preserving lawful First Amendment activity outside the designated buffer zone.

The legislation would also establish civil penalties for offenders and provide pathways for individuals, including state attorneys, to seek court orders and damages in federal court. While the legislation would target protesters who knowingly disrupt scheduled religious services, houses of worship would not be required to make their schedules public.