US Councilwoman Outraged Over Muslim Mass Prayer Outside Brooklyn Jewish Girls’ School
Tensions flare in Brooklyn as community members debate whether a mass Friday prayer next to a Jewish school was an overflow mosque crowd or a deliberate provocation.
New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov (R-District 48) has sparked intense debate after posting video footage of dozens of Muslim men performing prayers on the sidewalk directly in front of an all-girls Jewish school in Midwood, Brooklyn.
The incident occurred on Friday, May 15, which coincided with Nakba Day, a date marked by pro-Palestinian observances.
In her widely shared post, Vernikov wrote:
“This is an ALL GIRLS Jewish school in my district. I’m all for prayer and free speech, but why do a bunch of GROWN MEN need to do this right outside of a school full of little Jewish girls??? Is this what MOSQUES are for? Is this clearly INTENTIONAL?”
She pointed out that a mosque is located at 1781 East 16th Street, literally around the corner from the school at 1782 East 17th Street (Bnos Leah Prospect Park Yeshiva).
The video shows a large group of men laying out prayer rugs and prostrating themselves along the sidewalk and building wall adjacent to the school entrance. Vernikov stressed that obstructing sidewalks is unlawful and expressed concern amid the sharp rise in antisemitic incidents across New York City.
The post quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions. Many Jewish community members and supporters called the gathering intimidation and a deliberate provocation aimed at young Jewish girls.
Midwood is home to one of Brooklyn’s largest Jewish communities alongside growing Muslim populations. Tensions have been elevated since the October 7, 2023 attacks and the ensuing Israel-Hamas war.
Vernikov, who co-chairs the NYC Council’s Bipartisan Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, has been a vocal advocate for Jewish safety in the city. She directly tagged Mayor Zohran Mamdani asking for comment.
No official response from the Mayor’s Office or the mosque has been reported as of Saturday evening.
This incident highlights the delicate balance in diverse Brooklyn neighborhoods between religious freedom and community safety concerns, particularly for Jewish institutions facing heightened threats.
The story continues to develop with strong opinions on both sides across social media.