Federal Court Rules Against Hasidic Jews Who Challenged Public Housing Rule

A federal court in Ungar v. New York City Housing Authority, 2009 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 3578 (SD NY, Jan. 14, 2009) has ruled against the claims of a Hasidic group that the New York City Housing Authority should be required to give them preference in allocating units in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. They challenged the Tenant Selection Assignment Plan saying that they have religious needs to live near other members of their religious community in Williamsburg.

The court rejected the claims raised under the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act as well as claims under the federal Fair Housing Act claim.

For a copy of the opinion, click here.