Brooklyn synagogue windows smashed and premises vandalised on Sukkot

A Brooklyn synagogue was reportedly broken into and vandalised last week. 

A 25-year-old man suspected of causing damage to the Shore Parkway Jewish Centre in Gravesend last Sunday, during the Jewish festival of Sukkot, was arrested by police in New York last Wednesday. The assailant allegedly grabbed an Israeli flag from outside the synagogue and used it to smash synagogue windows. He then reportedly broke in and destroyed property including items relating to the festival. 

The incident was reported to police by the building’s caretaker, who apparently found the intruder wrapped in the Israeli flag shouting antisemitic slurs. 

The synagogue’s director reportedly said that the attack was “a disaster for the synagogue. We’re a poor shul. We don’t have the funds to replace our glass. I don’t know how we’re going to get out of this.” She added that the attack had alarmed the local Jewish community, with many members afraid to go to the synagogue alone. “A lot of our members are concerned. We’re scared,” she said.

She further noted that efforts had already been taken to enhance the building’s security and make members feel safe, but she remained concerned about the future.

Three of the six charges faced by the suspect are classified as hate crimes, which dramatically increase the penalties he may face if convicted.

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