Police Arrest Lakewood Rabbi Who Claimed COVID-19 Restrictions Are Unconstitutional

LAKEWOOD (VINnews) — A few days ago Rabbi Yisrael Knopfler of Lakewood, N.J. joined a lawsuit presented by a Catholic priest, Kevin Robinson of the St. Anthony church in North Caldwell against New Jersey governer Phil Murphy. The two claimed that the state’s prohibition against religious services during the coronavirus pandemic violates the U.S. constitution.

Last night, police arrived at the rabbi’s home and observed him violating the law against gatherings.  After a warning, police arrested him when he refused to comply. The rabbi allegedly assaulted and officer as well as making a bonfire with more than 30 participants in contravention of laws against gatherings. Bystanders protested the  arrest, calling the policemen “Nazis” and “Gestapo.”

In the suit, the rabbi and priest claimed that social distancing regulations can be maintained even inside houses of worship just as businesses are maintaining them and in some cases received permission from the governor to open.

Murphy issued the directive on 21st of March, prohibiting gatherings with some exceptions but he did not include religious services among the exceptions.

Lakewood, NJ pic.twitter.com/sR9xH9PfLU

— T.O.T Consulting{Avi Lehrer} (@TOTPINYC) May 12, 2020