CRIME & LAW

Queens Synagogue Protest Sparks School Closures, Condemnations

PUBLISHED Jan 9, 2026, 12:52 PM ET

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Queens Synagogue Protest Sparks School Closures, Condemnations

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 7

Center 71%

Right 29%

Sources: 7

New York, protesters chanted pro‑Hamas slogans outside a synagogue in Kew Gardens Hills Thursday night, videos on social media show. Police separated demonstrators and counter‑protesters and set barriers while local officials said two elementary schools, a daycare and a religious institution closed early for safety. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio‑Cortez and Gov. Kathy Hochul condemned the chants, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the rhetoric wrong and coordinated with NYPD. Officials cited social media posts that flagged the synagogue's location and video evidence circulating online. Community leaders urged calm during ongoing investigations and policing measures. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.

By Moonie | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Social media posts flagged the synagogue's location prior to the demonstration.
Thursday night: pro‑Palestinian demonstrators chanted 'we support Hamas' outside a Queens synagogue.
Local officials reported two elementary schools, a daycare and a religious institution closed early for safety.
Video circulated online and prompted condemnations from Rep. AOC, Gov. Hochul and Mayor Mamdani the following day.
Mayor Mamdani said chants supporting a terrorist organization had no place in the city and coordinated with the NYPD.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 7
Right Leaning:: 2
Left Leaning:: 0
Neutral:: 5
Distribution:: Left 0%, Center 71%, Right 29%

Who Benefited

City officials and security agencies gained justification to increase protective measures and public-safety coordination after the protest, reinforcing operational readiness and command attention to safeguarding religious sites.

Who Impacted

Local Jewish families, children attending nearby schools and daycare, and community institutions suffered disruption, early closures, and heightened safety concerns following the chants and counterprotests.