Kiryas Joel Synagogue Warned About Mask-Less Gatherings

KIRYAS JOEL, NY — The health commissioner of Orange County said her department will discuss with the New York State Police a religious mass gathering in Kiryas Joel where hundreds of men and boys were crowded together in a synagogue with no signs of mask usage.

Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman said images published Sunday online were concerning, the Times Herald-Record reported.

The photos were taken in Congregation Yetev Lev D'Satmar in Kiryas Joel.

Gelman issued a cease-and-desist order to the synagogue warning of possible criminal prosecution should the congregation fail to follow public health law in the future, Vos Iz Nelas reported.

The county said the synagogue had been operating above the limit set by the state at 50 percent capacity.