News Release
For Immediate Release: 5.20.26
Contact: John Manning, media@firstliberty.org
Direct: 972-941-4453
Florida Synagogue, HOA Reach Near $1 Million Settlement in Lawsuit Correcting Antisemitic Actions
Orthodox Jewish community faced discrimination, and unlawful treatment from HOA.
Boca Raton, FL—First Liberty Institute and Jones Day reached a settlement with Loggers’ Run Association, a homeowners’ association, and its management company in Boca Raton, FL in a lawsuit filed against the HOA for its illegal, discriminatory, and antisemitic actions against Rabbi Naftaly Hertzel and his wife Henya. The settlement requires the HOA to remove discriminatory language from its governing documents, permit the Hertzel’s to use the community newsletter to advertise events at their synagogue, and require the HOA to pay $850,000 to the Hertzels.
“This settlement sends a clear message that if you structure your HOA to provide cover for antisemitism, you will pay the price,” said Jeremy Dys, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. “Religious freedom is for all Americans, even in their HOA’s. We are thrilled for our clients, who simply want to practice their faith freely and without fear.”
“We are thankful that this settlement has finally brought resolution for Rabbi Hertzel and his congregation,” added Eliot Pedrosa, a partner with Jones Day. “The Congregation has demonstrated exceptional patience and perseverance throughout a long and sometimes difficult process.”
“We are grateful that this settlement gives the Jewish Community in Loggers’ Run the right to be treated equally with our neighbors. We are excited that this long ordeal is over, thankful for the efforts of our lawyers to achieve this just result, and look forward to contributing to what makes this community great,” said Rabbi Hertzel.
Since 2015 the Hertzels and the Chabad community, who reside in the HOA area, have been denied the same rights allowed for all residents and groups within the community and have been the victims of discrimination and constant harassment.
The Loggers’ Run HOA repeatedly singled out the Hertzels for selective rule enforcement while ignoring violations by other residents. The HOA board told the Hertzels on one occasion that they “didn’t want Jews” in Loggers’ Run and the HOA assistant manager told them that they “should have ended your kind in the 1930s.” Vandals knocked down religious symbols, spray-painted buildings, broken windows, and screamed antisemitic slurs outside their worship space while meetings were being conducted.
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About First Liberty Institute
First Liberty Institute is a non-profit public interest law firm and the largest legal organization in the nation dedicated exclusively to defending religious freedom for all Americans.
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