Oorah’s Camp Heads Challenge Against New York Gun Laws, Citing Anti-Semitic Threats

The CEO of Kars4Kids, a Jewish charitable organization known for its catchy advertising jingle, is contesting New York state’s concealed carry law in court. Rabbi Eliyohu Mintz, who leads Kars4Kids and also serves as the CEO of Oorah, a Jewish outreach nonprofit supported by Kars4Kids, has filed a federal lawsuit along with Eric Schwartz, a camp administrator. They argue that the law puts their summer camp in upstate New York at risk of antisemitic attacks by prohibiting private individuals from carrying firearms in locations where religious activities occur.

In a sworn statement attached to the lawsuit, Mintz expressed concern about the unpredictability of violent attacks on Jewish people in places of worship and areas where children, who are the most vulnerable members of society, gather. He emphasized the need for preparedness and self-defense, stating, “I cannot be left unprepared and unarmed in the event that an evildoer decides to attack one or both of the [camp’s] campuses nor can the other licensed staff members.”

This legal action is part of a series of challenges against the Concealed Carry Improvement Act, which was enacted after the Supreme Court overturned a previous firearms ban. The act restricts the carrying of firearms in certain locations, including schools, medical facilities, and houses of worship, among others. Another lawsuit has been filed by two pastors seeking permission to carry weapons in their churches. In response, lawmakers amended the act in May to allow pastors and designated security personnel to carry firearms in places of worship.

Amy Bellatoni, the attorney representing Mintz and Schwartz, clarified that the amendment does not apply to her clients. She explained that the plaintiffs are camp staff members who have carried firearms for personal protection and wish to continue doing so. They are not designated security personnel and, therefore, are not covered by the exemption.

Although Jewish security experts have argued that arming ordinary members of the community is not an effective deterrent against antisemitic attacks, Schwartz, who resides year-round on the camp’s premises known as The Zone, stated in a sworn statement that he and his colleagues are easily identifiable as Orthodox Jews. He recounted instances of discriminatory acts, such as verbal abuse and objects being thrown at them, including Molotov cocktails.

The lawsuit names three defendants, all law enforcement officials: Steve Nigrelli, the acting superintendent of the New York State Police; Ronald Stevens, the sheriff of Schoharie County where The Zone is located; and Susan Mallery, the district attorney of the coun