Mamdani faces criticism following attack on NYC synagogue
In a recent appearance on ‘America’s Newsroom,’ Yeshiva University President Rabbi Ari Berman addressed the ramifications of a hate crime involving a Bronx resident at Manhattan’s Central Synagogue. He took the opportunity to rebuke Mayor Zohran Mamdani for using what he described as antisemitic rhetoric and discussed ways to bolster security measures as the academic year begins.
Federal prosecutors have charged a Bronx man with hate crimes after a troubling incident at a Midtown Manhattan synagogue. During a recorded interview, the suspect confessed that his actions were driven purely by racial and religious animosity.
The suspect, identified as 46-year-old Larry Montes, reportedly made several offensive remarks during his post-arrest questioning. Among these were inflammatory statements such as “F— the Jews … It’s racial,” and a clear aversion to synagogues whether in New York or Israel.
Montes is facing serious charges, including two counts of committing hate crimes and one count related to the destruction of religious property leading to physical harm. If convicted, he could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison, according to the Justice Department’s guidelines.
The charges stem from an alleged attack during a Shabbat service at New York’s Central Synagogue, where Montes is accused of assaulting two individuals. (AP Photo/Kena Betancur)
Prosecutors claim Montes brazenly assaulted two people and shouted obscenities at parishioners during the Jewish Sabbath service at the Central Synagogue in Midtown, which was attended by 375 people.
During the Shabbat service, Montes stood up, began shouting, and physically struck and damaged two ceremonial silver candlesticks with gold accents, authorities said. As the head of security attempted to remove him from the sanctuary, Montes screamed, “F— you people” and “I don’t f— with you people,” according to prosecutors.
Montes then punched a female congregant with a closed fist and assaulted a security guard who was attempting to handcuff him, authorities said.
A Bronx man was charged with multiple hate crimes after allegedly disrupting Shabbat services and attacking a congregant and security member at Central Synagogue in Manhattan, police said. (REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz)
He allegedly directed a racial slur at the guard, who is Black, before spitting in his face and headbutting his left eye socket, prosecutors said. Montes also threatened to return to the synagogue at a later date.
In addition to the federal charges, he faces state charges related to the incident. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the woman and the security guard who were assaulted are doing well.
Following the attack, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed shock over the violence.
“I can only imagine the pain and fear an attack like this, during Shabbat services, causes for the congregation and for Jewish New Yorkers across our city,” he wrote on X. “Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence.”
Montes remains in custody.