The ADL is offering a $2,500 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for an attack on two prominent Rockland rabbis Tuesday. Fireworks were detonated near the cars of Rabbi Simcha Morganstern and Rabbi Avramel Kotlarsky, both of the Chabad of Rockland. Each of the explosions took place in front of the rabbis’ family homes, just a block away from one another. No one was injured in either of the blasts. According to JTA, about 15 adults and children were gathered at Morganstern’s house when the explosion occurred.
Kotlarsky, local authorities, and now the ADL, have all said that this attack constitutes a potential hate crime. “We are outraged by this shocking incident in what appears to be the alleged targeting of two prominent rabbis, and we join with local leadership, including the Jewish Federation of Rockland County, in strongly condemning this brazen act of violence,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director.
The Mid-Hudson News reports:
Rockland County Executive Edwin Day has called for an aggressive investigation of the apparent hate crimes.
“There is no place for hate in our community,” Day said, condemning this crime “in the strongest terms possible.”
Human Rights Commission Commissioner Penny Jennings said her agency “will certainly take a public stand against any and all acts of hate. It will not be silently condoned.”
She said she will also convene a meeting of the county’s Interfaith Council, which was formed to foster greater understanding between diverse groups that call Rockland home. “We will work to deepen community relationships based on trust, tolerance, and shared goals,” Jennings said.
This post has been updated.
Jesse Bernstein is a former Intern at Tablet.