In November 2024, a violent mob stormed the Ohr Torah synagogue in West Orange, New Jersey, shouting antisemitic slurs and attacking congregants. Among the victims was David Zilberberg, who was beaten and choked before Dr. Moshe Glick intervened to stop the assault. Despite clear evidence of aggression against the Jewish community, local prosecutors indicted Dr. Glick for felony assault and hate crimes, while the actual assailants remain uncharged.

This decision stands in stark contrast to federal action, as the Department of Justice filed a civil complaint against the agitators, documenting the violence and seeking protections for synagogues statewide. The federal government recognized the attack for what it was, while New Jersey prosecutors targeted the victims. The prosecution of Dr. Glick has sparked outrage, with calls for Governor Phil Murphy to intervene and for charges to be dropped.

The case highlights a troubling disparity between state and federal responses to antisemitic violence, raising concerns about the safety of Jewish communities in New Jersey. Supporters argue that Dr. Glick's actions were heroic and necessary, and that criminalizing self-defense in such circumstances is both legally and morally indefensible.