NYC Parks Department Orders Anti-Israel Garden to Vacate by Sept. 3
UPDATE: The NYC Parks Department has just issued a vacate order to the leaders of the controversial Sunset Community Garden in Queens, demanding they leave by September 3, 2023. This decision concludes a heated four-month legal battle fueled by accusations of antisemitism against the garden’s organizers.
Mayor Eric Adams declared, “There is no place for hate in New York City, and our community gardens should be safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all New Yorkers.” His statement underscores the urgent need for community spaces that promote unity rather than division. The mayor further emphasized the administration’s commitment to eliminating hate, specifically targeting the garden’s exclusionary practices that barred individuals supportive of Israel.
The Sunset Community Garden, located at Onderdonk and Willoughby avenues in Ridgewood, originally opened in September 2023 as a non-political initiative by the Parks Department. However, it quickly became a focal point for anti-Israel sentiment, marked by a dedicated area named “Poppies 4 Palestine.” The garden’s leaders faced significant backlash following claims that they enforced political pledges upon attendees.
After the Parks Department revoked their license on May 5 for breaching contract terms, the garden’s leadership attempted to contest the decision in court. Their claims of discrimination led to a temporary restraining order on June 4, allowing them to remain temporarily. However, this order has since been lifted, enabling the Parks Department to proceed with their planned ouster.
In a surprising twist, garden organizer Laura Merrick renamed the garden to “Jardin de Santa Cecilia” in honor of Latina trans advocate Cecilia Gentili, adding altars to honor her memory. Despite the ongoing legal challenges—including a federal discrimination lawsuit filed against the Parks Department on July 31—Merrick has yet to comment on the latest developments.
As tensions surrounding this community garden escalate, the situation draws attention not only for its political implications but also for its impact on community cohesion in Queens. The deadline for vacating looms, leaving many to question what will happen next in this unfolding saga.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and the community responds to this urgent directive from the NYC Parks Department.
