Dear Tanenbaum Community,
Shabbat services at Central Synagogue in Manhattan were disrupted Friday evening by a man who yelled obscenities, spat at a security guard, and struck a 63-year-old woman. Larry Montes was arrested and charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime in addition to other charges.
We are saddened by this attack at Central Synagogue. Our hearts and thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the Jewish community of New York. At Tanenbaum we condemn antisemitism and acts of hatred and violence targeting people because of their faith.
In the words of NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, “I understand the sanctity of this space and its meaning for congregants. Central Synagogue is where I grew up. In joy and in sorrow, it has always been a place of comfort and peace. What happened there tonight is deeply painful. A place of worship should never be a crime scene.”
After the arrest, Rabbi Angela Buchdahl posted that the service continued “And our congregation refused to let hate extinguish our Shabbat light.”
The timing and setting of the attack add to its gravity. Shabbat, which means “to cease” or “to rest,” begins at sundown every Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. Shabbat is an ancient Jewish tradition that invites Jews to rest and deepen connections with their faith, family, and spirituality.
Antisemitism and hatred against any religious community have no place in our society. Antisemitism and hatred are not solely beliefs and thoughts. They are behaviors and actions. And regardless of our beliefs, we do not have the right to engage in destructive behaviors towards any community. We do not have the right!
Building respectful and safe spaces for people of all backgrounds and beliefs is up to each and every one of us. It’s our collective responsibility to treat all people equally and to recognize that everyone has the right to come together and worship peacefully, without fear or threat.
A place of worship is a place of peace, sanctuary, and connection. Let us move forward together in solidarity, committed to protecting that peace for every community.
In unity,
Rev. Mark Fowler, CEO, Tanenbaum