NEWARK, NJ – The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit in the District of New Jersey against the Party for Socialism and Liberation–New Jersey (PSL), American Muslims for Palestine–New Jersey (AMP), and several individuals, alleging violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) during a coordinated protest at Congregation Ohr Torah in West Orange on November 13, 2024.
According to the complaint, the defendants—including Tova Fry (also known as Terry Kay), Altaf Sharif, Matt Dragon, Eric Camins, and two unnamed individuals—engaged in acts of intimidation, threats, and physical obstruction that disrupted a religious event and targeted Jewish worshipers based on their faith and identity.
The DOJ alleges that:
- Protesters forced the relocation of a planned religious gathering from Dr. Moshe Glick’s home to Congregation Ohr Torah after threats and surveillance by Fry.
- Protesters broke through police lines and entered synagogue property, using vuvuzelas to drown out a memorial service and Torah sermon.
- Defendants Sharif and Jane Doe allegedly used the vuvuzelas as weapons against attendees, blowing them inches from worshipers’ ears.
- Defendant Sharif physically attacked 65-year-old David Silberberg, placing him in a chokehold, dragging him down a hill, and slamming his head into the ground.
- The mob made antisemitic remarks, including identifying Silberberg as “the Jew,” and shouted threats such as “You’re next!” and “Moshe Glick you can’t hide.”
- A stink bomb was deployed, and worshipers were physically prevented from attending or fully participating in the event.
The complaint seeks a permanent injunction against the defendants, prohibiting them from future disruptions of religious services at Congregation Ohr Torah or any other place of worship in the District of New Jersey. The DOJ also seeks statutory compensatory damages, civil penalties under the FACE Act, and enforcement authority for federal and local law enforcement.
The suit is filed under United States v. Party for Socialism and Liberation et al., Civil Action No. 2:25-CV-16049. The DOJ is demanding a jury trial.
