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.
