4 Jewish Synagogues Vandalized in Antisemitic Rampage in the Bronx: 'It's a Very Scary Time'

Andrea Morris
04-26-2021

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Police in New York are investigating multiple acts of vandalism to Jewish synagogues in one Bronx neighborhood and they believe the same suspect is responsible for these antisemitic crimes.

In a video from Saturday, the suspect is seen throwing rocks and smashing windows at the Young Israel of Riverdale synagogue.

The Riverdale Jewish Center (RJC), Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale, and Chabad of Riverdale were also targeted. Authorities say the rash of vandalism is being classified as hate crimes. 

"He goes to the corner, grabs this big metal garbage can and there's a car parked in front of Chabad and he throws it into the back window of that car, a mother who has a handicap license for a handicap child," said Chabad of Riverdale Rabbi Levi Shemtov.

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And the suspect attacked the same synagogues last Thursday, allegedly throwing rocks at the buildings. During one incident at RJC, congregants were closing up for the night and actually saw the perpetrator.

"He sees them. He throws a rock on the door. He throws a rock at them and starts running," Shemtov added.

Oren Hiller, RJC executive director, told The Algemeiner that they are cooperating with police to ensure that everyone remains safe.

"We're just doing what we can to work with law enforcement, and to ensure that the shul is safely protected and that those responsible for the crimes against our shul and community are properly investigated." 

But others are worried about the persistent efforts by the suspect to impose harm on the Jewish community.

"Today, it's a synagogue. Tomorrow, it could be houses. It could be individuals. It's a very scary time," said Jeff Botwinick of Riverdale.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) tweeted he was appalled by the acts, saying they will not be tolerated. 

Since Sunday night, all Jewish houses of worship in Riverdale have increased their security.

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About The Author

Andrea Morris
Andrea
Morris

Andrea Morris is a Features Producer for The 700 Club. She came to CBN in 2019 where she worked as a web producer in the news department for three years. Her passion was always to tell human interest stories that would touch the hearts of readers while connecting them with God. She transitioned into her new role with The 700 Club in August 2022.
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