The Sunset Community Garden in Ridgewood, Queens, is facing potential eviction due to its enforcement of a no-Zionist member policy, which city officials claim violates anti-discrimination guidelines. Complaints from local residents about the garden's anti-Israel activism sparked the investigation. The New York City Parks Department has stated that membership cannot be contingent upon supporting ideological positions, thereby highlighting the necessity for community spaces to be inclusive for all individuals, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds. This situation underscores ongoing tensions regarding ideological stances within community organizations.
The Sunset Community Garden in Ridgewood, Queens may face eviction for enforcing a strict no-Zionist member policy, violating city park guidelines.
City officials informed the garden that requiring members to support a "statement of values" condemning Zionism is not permitted under city anti-discrimination laws.
The Adams administration emphasizes that community gardens should be safe and inclusive for all New Yorkers, stating that exclusion based on ideology is undesirable.
Critics argue that the community garden's anti-Israel activism has created a hostile environment for Jewish residents, leading to community concerns and city intervention.
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