A legal battle has erupted in the Town of Palm Tree, New York, where a resident claims his religious freedoms are being violated by the local justice system. On December 1, 2025, Shia Lerner filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Town of Palm Tree. The lawsuit alleges that the town’s justice court is forcing him to violate his religious beliefs by compelling him to appear in a secular court administered by Jewish officials.
The case centers around Lerner, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish member of the Satmar community, who faces charges in the Palm Tree Justice Court for Criminal Mischief and related offenses. These charges stem from allegations that he spray-painted sidewalks to protest Israel’s draft law, which requires Yeshiva students to serve in the Israeli Defense Forces—a stance opposed by many within his community based on teachings from Grand Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum. Lerner argues that appearing in this court conflicts with his religious convictions and violates his constitutional rights under both U.S. and New York State laws.
Lerner’s complaint outlines a deep-rooted conflict between his religious obligations and the operations of the Town of Palm Tree’s justice system. The town is described as an ultra-Orthodox enclave where most officials are members of the Satmar community, except for its judge. Despite these affiliations, Lerner contends that entering this secular court would contravene Halacha law—Jewish law—which prohibits Jews from adjudicating disputes in non-Jewish courts without rabbinical permission. This prohibition is further supported by a rabbinical decree issued by local authorities.
The lawsuit accuses the Town of Palm Tree of violating several constitutional amendments and statutes, including the First Amendment’s Free Exercise Clause and equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment. Lerner seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to halt what he perceives as constitutional violations. He also requests compensatory damages for emotional distress and harm to his reputation resulting from these alleged unlawful actions.
Lerner’s legal representation comes from Michael D. Meth of Meth Law Offices, PC, based in Chester, New York. The case is presided over by Judge Judith S. Kaye under Case No.: 7:25-cv-09957.
Source: 725cv09957_Shia_Lerner_v_Town_of_Palm_Complaint_Southern_District_of_New_York.pdf
