Orthodox Jewish Summer Camp In Schoharie County Sues Over COVID-19 Issues

By Staff Reporter
Posted on 02/09/21 | News Source: Times Union

Camp alleges they were target of intolerant, racist community conversations over the years

GILBOA —  An ultra-Orthodox Jewish organization that last summer battled local officials over COVID-19 closures and restrictions is suing Schoharie County in federal court alleging they were targeted for their religious views.

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The most immediate issue in the complaint centers on what the Oorah summer camps organization says was discrimination they faced last summer in how they were treated concerning pandemic protocols, versus other entities.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic last spring ordered the closure of summer sleepaway camps across the state.

But Oorah, along with several other ultra-Orthodox groups, largely from New York City and New Jersey, were able to keep operating by declaring themselves to be temporary hotels or family residences that were operating religious retreats. Read more at Times Union