A man has been charged with a hate crime after deliberately driving his car into the entrance of Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Brooklyn, New York, in an incident authorities described as intentional. No injuries were reported, but the attack has heightened concerns about antisemitic violence targeting Jewish institutions, reports The Jerusalem Post.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at 770 Eastern Parkway in the Crown Heights neighbourhood, a site known worldwide as the spiritual centre of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement. Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 8:46 p.m. after a man repeatedly attempted to drive his Honda Accord through an entrance to the building.
Video footage of the incident circulated widely online. The New York Police Department confirmed that the suspect was arrested at the scene and that a hate crime investigation was opened. As a precaution, the synagogue inside the building — commonly referred to as “770” — was evacuated, according to Chabad spokesperson Yaacov Behrman.
Behrman said witnesses reported that the driver shouted for people to move as he drove forward, adding that the behaviour appeared deliberate. Motti Seligson, Chabad’s director of media, said there were reports that the suspect had previously attempted to access other Jewish institutions in New Jersey, including Chabad facilities, but had been stopped. In at least one earlier incident, police were reportedly called.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani arrived at the scene and said the attack was intentional. “This is deeply alarming, especially given the deep meaning and history of the institution to so many in New York and around the world,” he said. “Any threat to a Jewish institution or place of worship must be taken seriously. Antisemitism has no place in our city, and violence or intimidation against Jewish New Yorkers is unacceptable.” He added that he was relieved no one had been injured.
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul said the incident marked the second antisemitic attack against Jewish New Yorkers in as many days. “An attack against the Jewish community is an attack against all New Yorkers,” she said.
New York City Comptroller Mark D. Levine also condemned the incident, calling it a “frightening attack” at one of the city’s most important Jewish institutions.
The attempted ramming occurred at the close of Yud Shvat, a significant date in the Chabad calendar marking the anniversary of the passing of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, the sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe. His successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, formally assumed leadership exactly one year later. Thousands of Jews had gathered at Chabad headquarters throughout the day to mark the occasion.
Photo Credit: NY Daily News via Getty Images
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