Congregation Yetev Lev D'Satmar of Kiryas Joel, Inc. v. Congregation Yetev Lev D'Satmar, Inc.

OPINION OF THE COURT

Pigott, J.

This action involves a dispute over the ownership of a cemetery located in the Town of Monroe, New York, for members of the Satmar community, a distinct sect of Orthodox Judaism. The cemetery was originally acquired by plaintiff Congregation Yetev Lev D’Satmar of Kiryas Joel, Inc. (Monroe Congregation) in 1981. It contains the grave of the Grand Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum, founder of the Satmar movement. As such, the property holds significant religious import for all Satmar followers. The cemetery was conveyed to defendant Congregation Yetev Lev D’Satmar, Inc.…