Reward for Vandals’ Arrest

COLlive Reporter

At a press conference following an attack on Congregation Beth Shalom Chabad in Mineola, where swastikas were left on the front doors of the Shul, Rabbi Anchelle Perl called it a “despicable” deed that left worshippers feeling hurt, sad and violated.

Rabbi Perl called on the community not to minimize the incident.

“We cannot simply shrug this off as the work of an unfortunate mind,” said Perl. “Seeing this swastika on our front door was a wakeup call of an ill wind that must be heeded. Unfortunately the atmosphere in the world has once again become toxic.”

Still, he insists, “we are going to avoid losing ourselves to the negative stream of thought that results from being violated.

“Despite this attack, we will not lose sight, we remain passionately dedicated to society, we remain optimistic, proud to belong to those whose lives are dedicated to G-d, to Torah and to continuing our contributions to society.”

The press conference was attended by County Executive Tom Souzzi, Nassau County’s Police Commissioner Lawrence Mulvey, Detective Sergeant Gary Shapiro, head of the Anti Bias Unit, Mayor of Mineola Jack Martins, and Oceanside Chabad Director Rabbi Levi Gurkov.

Authorities are offering a $6,000 reward to catch whoever spray-painted the swastikas. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-244-TIPS. Calls will be kept confidential.