Four New York synagogues were vandalized over the weekend. The instances of vandalism occurred at the Chabad of Riverdale, Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale, Riverdale Jewish Center and Young Israel of Riverdale. According to the Community Security Service (CSS), all four instances of vandalism were perpetrated by the same individual, and they all involved the smashing of windows.
“From a security perspective, we are concerned that Jewish institutions are being harassed or vandalized for the third consecutive time in one week,” Evan R. Bernstein, the CEO and national director of CSS, said in a statement. “The eyewitness accounts of our volunteers, coupled with footage of the alleged perpetrator days before committing the acts, represents a clear desire to inflict harm on the Jewish community.
“The Bronx’s Jewish community, however, should be reassured that The CSS is monitoring the situation closely and that its trained safety and security volunteers are on the frontlines to work with law enforcement to ensure the highest level of security for its Jewish institutions.”
The New York Police Department (NYPD) tweeted out a photo of the suspect from security footage:
Additional photos of individual wanted for questioning for multiple acts of vandalism of synagogues in @NYPD50Pct in Riverdale.
☎️ or DM @NYPDTips 1-800-577-TIPS if you have any information. pic.twitter.com/PSuhx9UaJ6
— NYPD Hate Crimes (@NYPDHateCrimes) April 25, 2021
According to The Dark Wire news site, a fifth incident of vandalism occurred on April 26 at the Riverdale Jewish Center.
New York politicians condemned the vandalism. Governor Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, said in a statement that he was “appalled” by the vandalism and that he is directing the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to help the NYPD.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a statement that he was “appalled” by the vandalism and that he is directing the New York State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to help the NYPD.
“We stand with Jewish New Yorkers — an essential part of the fabric of our state — as we do with all victims of bigotry, and I look forward to seeing this investigation resolved quickly,” he said.
In response to vandalism at two synagogues in the Bronx, @NYGovCuomo has directed @nyspolice to assist with investigation. Statement from the governor ↘️ pic.twitter.com/sbWrC0nNJh
— Jake Adler (@JakeAAdler) April 25, 2021
Representative Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) similarly tweeted, “We are angered, saddened, and disturbed to hear of the anti-Semitic hate crimes in Riverdale. Riverdale is an inclusionary, accepting and loving community. Riverdale is a resilient community, and hate has no home there, or anywhere in our district, state, or country.”
We are angered, saddened, and disturbed to hear of the anti-Semitic hate crimes in Riverdale.
Riverdale is an inclusionary, accepting and loving community. Riverdale is a resilient community, and hate has no home there, or anywhere in our district, state, or country.
— Congressman Jamaal Bowman (@RepBowman) April 25, 2021
Jewish groups also denounced the vandalism. “A truly disturbing string of #antisemitic attacks in the Bronx this weekend — with multiple shuls the target of violence,” the Anti-Defamation League tweeted. “@ADL_NYNJ is hard at work with the Jewish community & @NYPDHateCrimes to assist in bringing the individual responsible to justice.”
A truly disturbing string of #antisemitic attacks in the Bronx this weekend — with multiple shuls the target of violence. @ADL_NYNJ is hard at work with the Jewish community & @NYPDHateCrimes to assist in bringing the individual responsible to justice. https://t.co/ox1vJFGJVS
— ADL (@ADL) April 26, 2021
The American Jewish Committee similarly tweeted, “These attacks remain all too frequent. We cannot allow antisemitism to become the new normal.”
Once again, synagogues in New York have been attacked.
We thank @NYGovCuomo and @NYSPolice for their swift action and hope the culprits are apprehended quickly.
These attacks remain all too frequent. We cannot allow antisemitism to become the new normal. https://t.co/v5pR400tOo
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) April 25, 2021
Stop Antisemitism also noted in a tweet that the vandalism occurred the morning of the various rallies to support justice for Sarah Halimi, the Jewish woman who was murdered in France. “We demand those responsible are fully prosecuted with hate crimes!”
While Jews globally were rallying to demand justice for #SarahHalimi, several synagogues in the Bronx were vandalized early this morning!
Young Israel of Riverdale
Chabad of Riverdale
Riverdale Jewish CenterWe demand those responsible are fully prosecuted with hate crimes! https://t.co/bMJl5sZ6es pic.twitter.com/5n03XQXUjT
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) April 25, 2021
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