“Interfaith Leaders Rally in New York Against Antisemitism Following Central Synagogue Attack”

In a powerful display of unity and solidarity, Jewish and interfaith leaders gathered at a rally outside Central Synagogue in New York City on August 20, 2026. Organized by the nonprofit Advocacy Organization Impact, the “This Shall Not Stand” rally brought together members of the Jewish community alongside Christians, Muslims, and Hindus. This gathering followed a recent violent attack during Shabbat services at Central Synagogue, where Larry Montes, 46, allegedly stormed into the sanctuary, shouted antisemitic slurs, vandalized property, struck a 63-year-old woman, and headbutted a security guard. Montes now faces federal hate crime charges.

Aaron Herman, CEO and co-founder of Impact, emphasized the rally’s core message: “An attack on a synagogue or any house of worship is an attack on all of us. This shall not stand.” The rally not only called for greater security measures but also highlighted the need to confront the rising tide of antisemitism. It underscored the commitment of Jews and their allies to stand together against hate.

Daniel Rosen, president of Impact, spoke to the broader implications of the violence, urging a collective response to the string of violent acts targeting synagogues across the country. “It’s not just about this synagogue. It’s about all synagogues. It’s not just about this act of violence. It’s about the string of violence that has been happening across the city and really across the country,” he told CBS News New York. Rosen emphasized the importance of community defense, stating, “Gone are the days when on a Monday a Jew is stabbed, on a Tuesday is spat upon, on a Wednesday a synagogue is vandalized. We have resolved that we will organize our community every single time when such things occur.”

Highlighting the strength of the interfaith coalition, Rosen celebrated the presence of Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Jews standing together with one voice against hate. Carin Bail of Impact echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the power of interfaith unity in combating hate. “If communities came together and really united across all faiths, and we sent a message that was loud and clear that hate shouldn’t be tolerated, that it wouldn’t happen anywhere,” she stated.

This rally serves as a reminder of the biblical call to peace and justice, echoing sentiments found in Micah 6:8, which urges us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. In the spirit of Romans 12:18, the rally participants sought to live in peace with all who love the Lord, demonstrating a commitment to neighbor-love and the defense of the vulnerable.

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