Gun Ban Leaves Jewish Congregation Vulnerable to Antisemitism
Maryland’s gun ban forces armed guards to walk unarmed to synagogue, raising security concerns.
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A sweeping gun ban in Montgomery County, Maryland, has left an Orthodox synagogue’s armed guards unable to protect their congregation on the way to Sabbath and holiday services, according to a new court filing. The law, known as Expedited Bill 23-26, prohibits carrying firearms within 100 yards of places of public assembly, including houses of worship.
Religious Duty and Security Concerns
The Silver Spring Jewish Center and Rabbi J. Menashe Shapiro are challenging the law, arguing that it leaves congregants vulnerable to antisemitic threats. The synagogue relies on an armed volunteer security team, with every member licensed to carry under Maryland law. Shapiro represents himself, and the case is supported by the New Civil Liberties Alliance and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty.
The law prohibits carrying firearms within 100 yards of schools, parks, and other public places, but allows drivers to pass through these zones. Orthodox Jews, who cannot drive on the Sabbath, must walk to the synagogue. The route from Rabbi Shapiro’s home to the synagogue passes within 100 yards of four schools, two parks, and three other houses of worship, making it impossible for armed guards to walk safely.
Legal Challenges and Historical Context
In September, Senior U.S. District Judge Deborah K. Chasanow ruled that the plaintiffs were likely to win their challenge to the ban inside houses of worship, but only for handguns and within the synagogue itself. The 100-yard buffer zone remained in place, as the plaintiffs did not show it was unconstitutional in every application.
The filing argues that the county’s justification for the buffer zone fails under the Supreme Court’s Bruen test, which requires gun laws to align with historical tradition. The county cited outdated laws, such as an 1837 Maryland wild fowl law and an 1859 Connecticut liquor regulation, which are not relevant to modern firearm restrictions.
Recent Threats and Community Safety
The synagogue says antisemitic threats have increased since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. In October 2024, a Jewish member was attacked just outside the building, and in June 2026, an unknown person attempted to enter. The armed guards, unable to walk to the synagogue, are left exposed to potential threats.
The court filing warns that each Sabbath without relief inflicts irreparable harm. The case highlights a growing concern for religious communities facing increased antisemitism and the need for legal protections that respect both public safety and religious freedoms.
Source: Daily Wire
