NYPD investigating vandalism attacks on Jewish synagogues in the Bronx; suspect at large

(Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

By Anthony Payero

(THE BRONX, N.Y.) The New York City Police Department launched an investigation after multiple Jewish synagogues were vandalized in the Bronx, according to ABC 7 NY.

Investigators report the suspect used rocks to break windows at four houses of worship, all targeted from Friday to late Saturday. They also believe they are only in search of one suspect after noting the proximity of the synagogues and the times of the attacks.

Locals who attend the Riverdale Jewish Center noticed a higher security presence than usual after the vandalism attacks, something that the other local synagogues adopted as well.

"We felt we are in a safe place as residents or Jews," local resident Etty Bar-Shai said.

Some Riverdale residents are no longer feeling safe after the sight of the broken windows and shattered glass on the ground floor of four houses of worship — including the Chabad of Riverdale — which was reportedly vandalized twice in one night.

The NYPD is investigating the vandalism attacks as hate crimes. One of the attacks was recorded on video, which depicts a man breaking windows with rocks at the Young Israel of Riverdale.

"I try and be devil's advocate to try to understand where they're coming from," said Riverdale resident Edith Tardivono, "maybe they may be on something, they weren't raised right."

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted through the Crime Stoppers website at crimestoppers.nypdonline.org or by messaging on Twitter @NYPDTips. All calls are kept confidential.

Follow me to see more articles like this.

...

Follow