Jewish group files suit over eruv

An Orthodox Jewish organization Thursday filed a federal discrimination lawsuit against three East End governments alleging that officials have blocked their efforts to create an eruv - or symbolic religious border - in the Westhampton Beach area.

The lawsuit filed in U.S. Eastern District Court argues that the villages of Westhampton Beach and Quogue and the Town of Southampton have tried to derail efforts by the nonprofit East End Eruv Association to string wires along utility poles to create the religious boundary in parts of the three municipalities. Orthodox Jews would be permitted to carry items and wheel strollers within the boundary on the Sabbath. Without an eruv, such activity is traditionally prohibited on the Sabbath.

"Our efforts for rational discussion and fair treatment have been met with harsh words and obvious discrimination," said Marvin Tenzer, president of the East End Eruv Association. "These villages and town are violating our constitutional and civil rights by engaging in an active campaign to obstruct our ability to practice our religion."

Westhampton Beach Mayor Conrad Teller said that while village officials had not yet seen the lawsuit, they have not engaged in discrimination.

"I'm not discriminating against anybody," he said, adding that the village did not reject any applications from the association. Instead, the application to string the wires was withdrawn.

LIPA and Verizon have said they would allow the eruv. But Hank Sheinkopf, a political consultant who is assisting the Jewish group, said public officials were blocking the project by threatening to fine LIPA and Verizon if they do so.

Jennifer Garvey, a town spokeswoman, said the town has sent a letter to the utilities advising them that posting signs or other items on telephone poles is an ordinance violation. "Our position is to uphold town ordinances," she said.

Village of Quogue officials did not respond to a message seeking comment.