Eliyohu Mintz, CEO of nonprofit organizations Kars4Kids and Oorah, has initiated a lawsuit claiming that the Concealed Carry Improvement Act has left New York’s Jewish community vulnerable to antisemitic attacks. The act, which came into effect in September 2022, prohibits carrying firearms in locations including religious establishments and summer camps.
Mintz argues this law is unconstitutional and has left him, his staff, and their attendees unprepared for potential attacks. This lawsuit adds to a series of challenges against the law, enacted after the Supreme Court abolished a former law controlling concealed carry permits.
Rising antisemitic incidents, hitting a record high in the U.S. last year, have increased safety concerns, especially for identifiable Orthodox Jews. NYS Jewish Gun Club founder Tzvi Waldman highlights the importance of self-defense training against hate-driven attacks.
The lawsuit, initially reported by the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, targets several officials, including New York State Police’s acting superintendent and Schoharie County’s sheriff and district attorney. At this stage, none of the parties involved have commented on the pending litigation.
