Synagogue Loses Long Eviction Battle, Ordered to Vacate by New Year
The Sixteenth Street Synagogue has called 3 West 16th Street home since 1945, but the shul has been told that it will not be allowed to ring in a New Year there—what would be its 68th. Earlier this week the State Supreme Court decided in building owner Jack Braha’s favor and ordered the Orthodox synagogue out by December 26.
It could very well be the last chapter of a legal battle that has been raging for more than a decade. Although the synagogue, which is planning to file an appeal on Monday, says that it intends to stay no matter what, even if that means being physically removed by marshals on January 7.
“We’re going to stay until the sheriff comes. If they have to arrest us, fine,” Richard McBee, the synagogue’s president, told The Observer. “What else can we do? This is our home. I didn’t pick this fight.” Read More
