Federal Court Upholds Westhampton Beach Eruv

Frum Jews are welcoming a decision this week by the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in New York upholding the constitutionality of the recently constructed eruv around Westhampton Beach on Long Island.

The Court ruled that the Long Island Power Authority did not violate the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution by allowing lechis, or plastic strips that designate an eruv, to be placed on the town’s utility poles. The Court further held that a state entity assisting to construct an eruv is an accommodation to religious freedom condoned and protected by the U.S. Constitution.

Certain community members of Westhampton Beach have fought the establishment of the eruv since 2008, voicing fears that the town would become “overrun” by Orthodox Jews, according to reports.

{Gavriel Sitrit-Matzav.com Newscenter}