Urges Law Enforcement to “Vigorously Investigate” Apparent Anti-Semitic Attack

New York, NY, August 10, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today expressed shock and outrage over an incident in which incendiary devices were detonated in front of the homes of two rabbis in Rockland County, New York.

According to reports, on the evening of August 9, a device exploded in New City under a car parked outside the home of Rabbi Simcha Morganstern, an associate rabbi at the Chabad of Rockland. Moments later, a similar attack took place one block away in front of the home of Avremel Kotlarsky, the Director of Chabad.

“We are outraged by this shocking incident in what appears to be the alleged targeting of two prominent rabbis, and we join with local leadership, including the Jewish Federation of Rockland County, in strongly condemning this brazen act of violence,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “We are maintaining close contact with local law enforcement and are urging them to vigorously investigate and prosecute those responsible for this alleged anti-Semitic attack.

“While we are relieved that nobody was injured, such a troubling incident like this can effectively intimidate the broader Jewish community, leaving them feeling vulnerable and at risk,” Mr. Bernstein said. “People of any religion, race or ethnicity must feel safe in their own neighborhoods. We are pleased to see statements by local elected officials denouncing the incident and we encourage the community to come together to fight anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry.”

ADL’s annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents, which tracks both criminal and non-criminal acts of anti-Semitism, documented 14 incidents in Rockland County, Westchester and upstate New York in 2015.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter @ADL_News