‘Act of violence’: New Jersey Rabbi injured in suspected hate crime before Jewish holiday

A rabbi has been assaulted outside his home in New Jersey just hours before the start of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, authorities said.

The Oct. 5th incident is being investigated as both a violent crime and a suspected antisemitic attack, with the local mayor condemning it as “a disgraceful act of violence.”

Police said the suspect, Jeffrey Zicchinella, 40, of Ridgefield Park, was driving through the area of Sussex Road around 2 p.m. when he allegedly stopped his vehicle, got out, and attacked Rabbi Avraham Wein.

Mayor Arvin Amatorio condemned the assault in a public statement:

“This was a shameful act that has no place in Bergenfield. I strongly condemn this attack and make it clear that we will not tolerate violence in our town, against anyone, under any circumstances,” the mayor posted on Facebook.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with Bergenfield police coordinating closely with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether the assault was bias-motivated.

“For legal and privacy reasons, there is no more information to be shared at this time,” a spokesperson for Rabbi Wein’s synagogue said.

“We are thankful he is safe and deeply appreciative of the concern and support shown by our TABC community,” they added.

Fox News Digital also reached out to Bergenfield Police Department for comment.