New Assembly Leader Condemns Anti-Semitic Acts in North Jersey

New Jersey has been rocked by the alleged firebombing of Temple Beth El in Rutherford, as well as three other recent incidents of alleged arson and anti-Semitic graffiti at Bergen County synagogues. Prosecutors say more than one person may be involved in what's being called a hate crime in which a synagogue where nine people were living was firebombed. Authorities say several Molotov cocktails and other incendiary devices were thrown early yesterday at a Rutherford home that was housing a synagogue on the first floor and the rabbi's residence on the second.

“Hate-based acts of violence directed at people for their religious beliefs are repugnant to both the spirit in which our nation was founded and the laws and values of our state,” says Assembly Democratic Leader Lou Greenwald. “I am personally disgusted by these vicious displays of Anti-Semitism.  Such reprehensible acts have absolutely no place in New Jersey—or anywhere else for that matter.”

Greenwald says, “I am thankful that Rabbi Schuman and his family were not seriously injured. He and his family, as well as the entire Temple Beth El community, are in my thoughts and prayers.”