A 37-year-old man in New York entered a synagogue during a Hanukkah celebration and began stabbing people; Five people are reported to have been injured during the terror attack; Deutch: This horrific violence against the Jewish community must be confronted by everyone in America.
On Saturday, 37-year-old Thomas Grafton entered a synagogue in a Jewish community in New York and began stabbing anyone within the reach of his machete. The synagogue is located in the far-south town of Monsey, New York, close to the border with Pennsylvania. While five people were stabbed during the attack, two of them are reported to have been injured critically. Grafton was eventually arrested after fleeing the scene when the car he fled in was tracked down by police on Sunday in Harlem. Additionally, Grafton will be charged with five counts of attempted murder.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo addressed the attacks, stating, “This is an act of terrorism. I think there are domestic terrorists. They are trying to inflict fear.” At the site of the attack, on Sunday, he also said, “We are going to enforce the laws and make sure acts like this do not happen – and if they do happen, they are punished to the fullest extent of the law. Let me be clear: antisemitism and bigotry of any kind are repugnant to our values of inclusion and diversity and we have absolutely zero tolerance for such acts of hate. You do not represent New York and your actions will not go unpunished.”
Several political figures spoke out against the attack, including Ivanka Trump, who tweeted, “The vicious attack of a rabbi in Monsey, NY last night was an act of pure evil. As we pray for the victims, may the candles of Chanukah burn bright through this darkness.” Additionally, Jason Greenblatt took to Twitter, stating, “Horrible!!! Whether worshiping in synagogue, shopping in the supermarket or celebrating at home, Jews should be safe from violence. We need authorities to provide increased protection NOW and ensure that the full force of the law is brought down on those who perpetrate such horrific crimes.”
While the northeast has been home to several violent attacks on the Jewish community in recent months, anti-Semitism is dangerously on the rise throughout the United States, both in the city and in rural communities.
