Last Friday during Central Synagogue’s Shabbat services a man disrupted worship and as he was being escorted out by security, he struck both a guard and a congregant before being taken into custody by police, arrested, and charged.
Our hearts reach out to the Central Synagogue community, where so many of us have friends. We are deeply relieved no one’s injuries were serious.
The event is a frightening reminder of the increase in antisemitic violence in our city. Please know that our own security procedures remain at a heightened level both at our entrances and inside our buildings. And we are deeply grateful to the NYPD for their constant care and presence.
We hope to see you for Shabbat worship this morning and soon again. Chazak, chazak v’nitchazek. We are a strong community, made stronger by one another.
Joshua M. Davidson
Peter and Mary Kalikow Senior Rabbinic Chair
